ISSN:
1423-0445
Keywords:
sequestration
;
pharmacophagy
;
defense
;
allomone
;
kairomone
;
cucurbitacin
;
Cucurbitaceae
;
Coleoptera
;
Chrysomelidae
;
Luperini
;
Diabrotica
;
Aulacophora
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary Two South American polyphagous leaf beetles,Diabrotica speciosa andCerotoma arcuata, selectively accumulated the bitter tasting compound 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin D in their body after ingesting root tissues of cucurbit plants. Similarly, three Asian Cucurbitaceae-feeding specialists in the genusAulacophora were found to sequester the same compound. Cucurbitacin analogs were shown to deter feeding by a bird predator, indicating an allomonal role for these compounds in cucurbitacin-associated chrysomelid leaf beetles both of New and Old Worlds. The strong affinity to cucurbitacins, selective sequestration of the analogs and consequent protection from predators suggested an ecological adaptation mechanism developed in common among these two geographically isolated subtribes in the Luperini.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01261452
