title: Benzoquinones from scent glands of phalangiid harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones, Eupnoi): a lesson fromRilaena triangularis.
abstract: In case of disturbance, the phalangiine harvestmanRilaena triangularis(Eupnoi, Phalangiidae) emits a directed jet from large prosomal scent ("defensive") glands. The pungent-smelling secretion was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and found to contain mainly 1,4-benzoquinone along with 1,4-naphthoquinone and caprylic (=octanoic) acid. While various alkylated benzoquinones are characteristic for the scent gland secretions of many grassatorean Laniatores, this is the first incidence of benzoquinone-based chemical defense in palpatorean harvestmen.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Zoology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010 Graz, Austria ; Research Unit of Osteology and Analytical Mass Spectrometry, Medical University, University Children's Hospital, Auenbruggerplatz 30, 8036 Graz, Austria.
authors.forename: Günther
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Raspotnig
authors.affiliation: Institute of Zoology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010 Graz, Austria ; Department of Limnology and Bio-Oceanography, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Miriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schaider
authors.affiliation: Institute of Zoology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010 Graz, Austria.
authors.forename: Petra
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Föttinger
authors.affiliation: Institute of Zoology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010 Graz, Austria.
authors.forename: Verena
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Leutgeb
authors.affiliation: Institute of Animal Ecology and Landscape Planning, ÖKOTEAM, Bergmanngasse 22, 8010 Graz, Austria.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Komposch
keywords: Benzoquinone; Caprylic acid; Chemical defense; Eupnoi; Naphthoquinone; Palpatores; Scent glands