Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Novel aspects of the biology of Chrysomelidae pp 277–288Cite as

Antipredator devices in larvae of the Chrysomelidae: a unified synthesis for defensive eclecticism

  • Chapter

Part of the book series: Series Entomologica ((SENT,volume 50))

Abstract

In terms of the number of species, beetles have emerged as the arthropodous order par excellence. In particular, the family Chrysomelidae, along with the curculionids, has been recognized as the most abundant of the beetle families. Conservatively speaking, it has been estimated that there are 50,000–70,000 species of flea beetles (Arnett, 1968; Jolivet, 1988). The evolutionary success of the Chrysomelidae notwithstanding, it seems appropriate to ask what are the factors associated with the coleopterous para-mountcy of the species in this family. In the following brief analysis, an effort has been made to explore the dominance of the Chrysomelidae in terms of the significance of larval defenses, a property that clearly determines the critical ability of these insects to mature and reproduce. Hopefully, the extraordinary defensive capabilities of flea beetle larvae will become manifest as their versatile abilities to blunt predatory confrontations are explored.

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

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   259.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   329.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   329.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Aldrich, J. R., Lusby, W. R. & Kochansky, J. P., 1986. Identification of a new predaceous stink bug pheromone and its attractiveness to the eastern yellow jacket. Naturwissenschaften 42:583–585.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Arnett, R. H., 1968. The Beetles of the United States. Amer. Ent. Inst. Ann Arbor, Mich., 1112 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blum, M. S., Brand, J. M., Wallace, J. B. & Fales, H. M., 1972. Chemical characterization of the defensive secretion of a chrysomelid larva. Life Sci. 11:525–531.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Blum, M. S., Wallace, J. B., Duffield, R. M., Brand, J. M., Fales, H. M. & Sokoloski, E. A., 1978. Chrysomelidial in the defensive secretion of the leaf beetle, Gastrophysa cyanea. J. Chem. Ecol. 4:47–53.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Blum, M. S., 1981. Chemical Defenses of Arthropods. Academic Press, New York, 562 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blum, M. S., Jones, T. H., House, G. J. & Tschinkel, W. R., 1981. Defensive secretions of tiger beetles: Cyanogenetic basis. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 69B:903–904.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Burkot, T. R. & Benjamin, D. M., 1979. The biology and ecology of the cottonwood leaf beetle, Chrysomela scripta, on tissue cultured hybrid Aigeiros (Populus x Euroamericana) subclones in Wisconsin. Can. Ent. 111:551–556.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crowson, R. A., 1981. The Biology of the Coleoptera. Acad. Press Inc. London, 802 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cudlin, J., Blumauerova, M., Steinerova, N., Mateju, J. & Zalabak, V., 1976. Biological activity of hydroxyanthraquinones and their glucosides toward microorganisms. Folia Microbiol. 21:54–57.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cuénot, L., 1896. Sur la saignée réflexe et les moyens de défense de quelques insectes. Arch. Zool. Exp. 4:655–680.

    Google Scholar 

  • Daloze, D. & Pasteels, J. M., 1979. Production of cardiac glycosides by chrysomeiid beetles and larvae. J. Chem. Ecol. 5:63–77.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Davis, R. H. & Nahrstedt, A., 1982. Occurrence and variation of the cyanogenic glucosides linamarin and lotaustralin in species of the Zygaenidae (Insecta: Lepidoptera). Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 71B:329–332.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Delaharpe, J. H. & Dowdle, E. B, 1980. Isolation and characterization of diamphotoxin. South Afr. J. Sci. 76:42.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dettner, K. & Schwinger, G., 1987. Chemical defense in the larvae of the leaf beetle Gonioctena viminalis L. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Experientia 43:458–460.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Eisner, T., van Tassel, E. & Carrel, J. E., 1967. Defensive use of a ‘Tecal shield’ by a beetle larva. Science 158:1471–1473.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ferguson, J. E. & Metcalf, R. L., 1985. Cucurbitacins. Plant-derived defense compounds for Diabroticites (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) J. Chem. Ecol. 11:311–317.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ferguson, J. E., Metcalf, R. L. & Fischer, D. C., 1985. Disposition and fate of cucurbitacin B in five species of diabroticites. J. Chem. Ecol. 11:1307–1321.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fieser, L. F. & Fieser, M., 1944. Organic Chemistry. D. C. Heath and Co., Boston, 1091 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Garb, G., 1915. The eversible glands of a chrysomeiid larva, Melasoma lapponica. J. Ent. Zool. 8:88–97.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gilbert, W. S. & Sullivan, A. 1878. H. M. S. Pinafore, D’Oyle Carte. London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Head, R. B., Neal, W. W. & Morris, R. C., 1977. Seasonal occurrence of the cottonwood leaf beetle Chrysomela scripta (Fab.) and its principal insect predators in Mississippi and notes on parasites. J. Ga. Ent. Soc. 12:157–163.

    Google Scholar 

  • Headstrom, R., 1977. The Beetles of America. A. S. Barnes and Co., Cranbury, New Jersey, 488 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hilker, M., 1989. Larvensekrete der Chrysomelinen mit intraspezifischer Repellentwirkung. Mitt. Dtsch. Ges. Allg. Angew. Ent. 7:136–140.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hilker, M. & Schulz, S., 1991. Anthraquinones in different developmental stages of Galeruca tanaceti (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae). J. Chem. Ecol. 17:2323–2332.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hilker, M., Esbach, U. & Dettner, K., 1992. Occurrence of anthraquinones in eggs and larvae of several Galerucinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Naturwissenschaften 79:271–274.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Howard, D. F., Phillips, D. W., Jones, T. H. & Blum, M. S., 1982. Anthraquinones and anthrones: occurrence and defensive function in a chrysomeiid beetle. Naturwissenschaften 69:91–92.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ishikawa, S., 1966. Electrical response and function of a bitter substance receptor associated with the maxillary sensilla of the larva of the silkworm, Bombyx mori L. J. Cell Comp. Physiol. 67:1–12.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jolivet, P., 1950. Les parasites, prédateurs, et phoretiques des Chrysomelidae (Coleoptera) de la faune franco-belge. Bull. Roy. Sci. Nat. Belg. 26:1–39.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jolivet, P., 1988. Food habits and food selection of Chrysomelidae. Bionomic and evolutionary perspectives. In: P. Jolivet, E. Petitpierre and T. Hsaio (eds.), Biology of the Chrysomelidae. Kluwer Acad. Publ., Dordrecht, Netherlands, pp. 1–23.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Jolivet, P., Vasconcellos-Neto, J. & Weinstein, P., 1990. Cycolalexy: A new concept in the larval defense of insects. Insecta Mundi 4:133–142.

    Google Scholar 

  • Matsuda, K. & Sugawara, F., 1980. Defensive secretion of chrysomeiid larvae Chrysomela virgintipunctata costella (Marseul), C. populi L., and Gastrolina depressa Baly (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Appl. Ent. Zool. 15:316–320.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mebs, D., Brüning, F. & Pfaff, N., 1982. Preliminary studies on the chemical properties of the toxic principle from Diamphidia nigroornata larvae, a source of Bushmen arrow poison. J. Ethnopharm. 6:1–11.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Meinwald, J., Jones, T. H, Eisner, T. & Hicks, K, 1977. New methyl-cyclopentanoid terpenes from the larval defensive secretion of a chrysomeiid beetle (Plagiodera versicolora). Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 74:2189–2193.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Moore, B. P., 1967. Hydrogen cyanide in the defensive secretions of larval Paropsini (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). J. Aust. Ent. Soc. 6:36–38.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nahrstedt, A. & Davis, R. H., 1986. (R)-Mandelonitrile and prunasin, the sources of HCN in all stages of Paropsis atomaria (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Z. Naturforsch. 41C:928–934.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parker, 1972. A comparison of the toxic protein in two species of Leptinotarsa. Toxicon 10:79–80.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pasteels, J. M., Daloze, D., van Dorsser, W. & Roba, J., 1979. Cardiac glycosides in the defensive secretion of Chrysolina herbacea (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Identification, biological role and pharmacological activity. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 63C:117–121.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pasteels, J. M., Braekman, J.-C., Daloze, D & Ottinger, R., 1982. Chemical defense in chrysomeiid larvae and adults. Tetrahedron 38:1891–1897.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pasteels, J. M., Rowell-Rahier, M., Braekman, J.-C. & Dupont, A., 1983. Salicin from host plant as precursor of salicylaldehyde in defensive secretion of chrysomeline larvae. Physiol. Ent. 8:307–314.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pasteels, J. M., Rowell-Rahier, M., Braekman, J.-C. & Daloze, D., 1984. Chemical defences in leaf beetles and their larvae: the ecological, evolutionary and taxonomic significance. Biochem. Ecol. Syst. 12:395–406.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pasteeis, J. M., Daloze, D. & Rowell-Rahier, M, 1986. Chemical defense in chrysomelid eggs and neonate larvae. Physiol. Ent. 11:29–37.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pasteeis, J. M., Braekman, J.-C. & Daloze, D., 1988a. Chemical defense in the Chrysomelidae. In: P. Jolivet, E. Petitpierre and T. Hsaio (eds.), Biology of the Chrysomelidae, Kluwer Acad. Publ., Dordrecht, Netherlands, pp. 233–252.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Pasteeis, J. M., Rowell-Rahier, M. & Raupp, M. J., 1988b. Plant-derived defense in chrysomelid beetles. In: P. Barbosa and D. Letorneau (eds.), Novel Aspects of Insect-Plant Interactions, John Wiley and Sons, New York, pp. 235–272.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pasteels, J. M. & Rowell-Rahier, M., 1989. Defensive glands and secretions as taxonomical tools in the Chrysomelidae. Entomography 6:423–432.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pasteels, J. M., Duffey, S. & Rowell-Rahier, M., 1990. Toxins in chrysomelid beetles. Possible evolutionary sequence from de novo synthesis to derivation from food-plant chemicals. J. Chem. Ecol. 16:211–222.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Phillips, W. M., 1977. Observations on the biology and ecology of the chrysomelid genus Haltica Geoff. in Britain. Ecol. Ent. 2:205–216.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Raupp, M. J., Milan, F. R., Barbosa, P. & Leonhardt, B., 1986. Methylcyclopentanoid monoterpenes mediate interactions among insect herbivores. Science 232:1408–1409.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Renner, K., 1970. Über die ausstülpbaren Hautblasen der Larven von Gastroidae viridula De Geer und ihre okologische Bedeutung (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Beitr. Ent. 20:527–533.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schoonhoven, L. M., 1973. Plant recognition by lepidopterous larvae. Symp. Roy. Ent. Soc. London 6:87–99.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smereks, E. P., 1965. The life history of Chrysomela crotchi Brown (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in northwestern Ontario. Can. Ent. 97:541–549.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spence, K. D., Karlinsey, J. E., Kyriakides, T. R., Patil, C. S. & Minnick, M. F., 1992. Regulation and synthesis of selected bacteria-induced proteins in Manduca sexta. Insect Biochem. Molec. Biol. 22:321–331.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sugawara, F., Matsuda, K., Kobayashi, A. & Yamashita, K., 1979a. Defensive secretion of chrysomelid larvae Gastrophysa atrocyanea Motschulsky and Phaedon brassicae Baly. J. Chem. Ecol. 5:635–641.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sugawara, F., Matsuda, K., Kobayashi, A. & Yamashitda, K., 1979b. Defensive secretion of chrysomelid larvae. Linaeida aenea Linné and Plagiodera versicolora distincta Baly. J. Chem. Ecol. 5:929–934.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vasconcellos-Neto, J. & Jolivet, P., 1988. Une nouvelle stratégie de défense: la stratégie de défense annulaire (cycloalexie) chez quelques larves de Chrysomélides brésiliens. Bull. Ent. Soc. France 92:291–299.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wallace, J. B. & Blum, M. S., 1969. Refined defensive mechanism in Chrysomela scripta. Ann. Ent. Soc. Amer. 62:503–506.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wallace, J. B., 1970. The defensive function of a case on a chrysomelid larva. J. Ga. Ent. Soc. 5:19–24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wallace, J. B. & Blum, M. S., 1971. Reflex bleeding: a highly refined mechanism in Diabrotica larvae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Ann. Ent. Soc. Amer. 65:1021–1024.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wood, D. L., 1982. The role of pheromones, kairomones, and allomones in the host selection and colonization behavior of bark beetles. Ann. Rev. Ent. 27:411–446.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Chemical Ecology, Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA

    Murray S. Blum

Authors
  1. Murray S. Blum
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

P. H. Jolivet M. L. Cox E. Petitpierre

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1994 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Blum, M.S. (1994). Antipredator devices in larvae of the Chrysomelidae: a unified synthesis for defensive eclecticism. In: Jolivet, P.H., Cox, M.L., Petitpierre, E. (eds) Novel aspects of the biology of Chrysomelidae. Series Entomologica, vol 50. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-1781-4_21

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-1781-4_21

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-4783-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-011-1781-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation