Composition of the defensive secretion in three species of European millipedes

J Chem Ecol. 2011 Dec;37(12):1358-64. doi: 10.1007/s10886-011-0040-3. Epub 2011 Nov 19.

Abstract

Three European julid species, Cylindroiulus boleti, Leptoiulus trilineatus, and Megaphyllum bosniense, secrete mixtures of up to 12 different quinones. The major components in these species are 2-methoxy-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone and 2-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone. 2-Methoxy-5-methylhydroquinone is detected for the first time in the Class Diplopoda. 2-Hydroxy-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone, 2,3-dimethoxyhydroquinone, 2-methyl-3,4-methylendioxyphenol, and 2,3-dimethoxy-5-methylhydroquinone are registered for the first time in representatives of the family Julidae. The similar chemical composition of defense secretions in all analyzed European julids and Pacific spirobolids supports the idea of the chemical consistency of defensive compounds in juliform millipedes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arthropods / chemistry*
  • Female
  • Flame Ionization
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Male
  • Quinones / chemistry*
  • Serbia
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • Quinones