title: Alkylphenols in the defensive secretion of the nearctic opilionid,Stygnomma spinifera (Arachnida: Opiliones).
abstract: The opilionid,Stygnomma spinifera, secretes from a pair of exocrine glands on the cephalothorax between the first and second pair of legs a major volatile component, 2-methyl-5-ethylphenol, and two minor components, 2,3-dimethylphenol and 2,3-dimethyl-5-ethylphenol. These alkylphenols are constituents of a defensive secretion and repel ants, a natural predator of opilionids. The probable significance of this secretion in the biology ofS. spinifera and in the defensive strategies of opilionids in general is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Zoology, Howard University, 20059, Washington D.C..
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Duffield
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Olubajo
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Wheeler
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Shear