Skip to main content
Log in

Morphology of the prothoracic defensive gland ofSchizura concinna (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera:Notodontidae) and the nature of its secretion

  • Published:
Journal of Chemical Ecology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The larval defensive gland ofSchizura concinna (J.E. Smith) is situated in the thorax and consists of two sacs joined by an interglandular neck. Its orifice opens into a transverse invagination of the integument at the cervical margin of the prosternite. The major component of the defensive secretion, formic acid, was identified as itsp-bromophenacyl ester. Ancillary components decyl acetate, dodecyl acetate, and 2-tridecanone from the anterior portion of the gland were identified by GLC and GS-MS.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Detwiler, J.D. 1922. The ventral prothoracic gland of the red-humped apple caterpillar (Schizura concinna Smith and Abbot).Can. Entomol. 54:176–191.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eisner, T., Meinwald, J., Monro, A., andGhent, R. 1961. Defence mechanisms of arthropods. I. The composition and function of the spray of the whipscorpion,Mastigoproctus giganteus (Lucas) (Arachnida, Peripalpida).J. Insect Physiol. 6(4):272–298.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eisner, T., Meinwald, Y.C., Alsop, D.W., andCarrel, J.E. 1968. Defense mechanisms of arthropods. XXI. Formic acid andn-nonyl acetate in the defensive spray of two species ofHelluomorphoides.Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 61:610–613.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eisner, T., Kluge, A.F., Carrel, J.E., andMeinwald, J. 1972. Defense mechanisms of arthropods. XXXIV. Formic acid and acyclic ketones in the spray of a caterpillar.Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 65:765–766.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grisdale, D. 1970. An improved laboratory method for rearing large numbers of spruce budworm,Choristoneura fumiferana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).Can. Entomol. 102:1111–1117.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hermann, H.R., andBlum, M.S. 1967. The morphology and histology of the hymenopterous poison apparatus. II.Pogonomyrmex badius (Formicidae).Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 60:661–668.

    Google Scholar 

  • Herrick, D.W., andDetwiler, J.D. 1919. Notes on the repugnatorial glands of certain notodontid caterpillars.Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 12:44–48.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hintze, C. 1969. Histologische Untersuchungen am Wehrsekretbeutel vonCerura vinula L. undNotodonta anceps Goeze (Notodontidae: Lepidoptera).Z. Morphol. Tiere 64:1–8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Humason, G.L. 1967. Animal Tissue Techniques, 2nd ed. W.H. Freeman and Co., San Francisco.

    Google Scholar 

  • Locke, M., Krishnan, N., andMacMahon, J.T. 1971. A routine method for obtaining high contrast without staining actions.J. Cell Biol. 50:540–544.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pavan, M., andValcurone-Dazzini, M. 1976. Sostanze di difensa dei lepidotteri.Pubbl. 1st. Entom. Agr. Univ. Pavia 3:3–23.

    Google Scholar 

  • Regnier, F.E., andWilson, E.O. 1971. Chemical communication and “propaganda” in slave maker ants.Science 172:267–269.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weatherston, J., andPercy, J.E. 1978. Venoms of Coleoptera, pp. 511–548in S. Bettini (ed.).Arthropod Venoms, Handbook of Pharmacology. Springer Verlag, Heidelberg.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weatherston, J., MacDonald, L.M., Blake, T., Benn, M.H., andHuang, Y.Y. 1978. Analytical methods for the identification of small carboxylic acids isolated from arthropods.J. Chromatogr. 161:347–351.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, E.O., andRegnier, F.E. 1971. The evaluation of the alarm-defense system in formicine ants.Am. Nat. 105:279–289.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Weatherston, J., Percy, J.E., MacDonald, L.M. et al. Morphology of the prothoracic defensive gland ofSchizura concinna (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera:Notodontidae) and the nature of its secretion. J Chem Ecol 5, 165–177 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00988232

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00988232

Key words

Navigation