Abstract
A novel series of 2,X-dimethylalkanes were isolated and identified. The nonpolar fraction of the surface lipids secreted by the adult (5-day-old) screwworm,Cochliomyia hominivorax, contains over 130 different hydrocarbons comprising normal alkanes (32% of the total hydrocarbon), branched alkanes (53%), and monoalkenes (11%). Branched alkanes included monomethylalkanes with substitution in all possible positions except for 4-methylalkanes, internally branched dimethylalkanes, and 2,X- and 3,X-dimethylalkanes. At emergence, adults of both sexes of the 009 strain have nearly identical gas Chromatographic profiles, which diverge as the insect ages. Irradiation of pharate pupae does not affect the hydrocarbon produced.
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Pomonis, J.G. Cuticular hydrocarbons of the screwworm,Cochliomyia hominivorox (Diptera: Calliphoridae). J Chem Ecol 15, 2301–2317 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01012083
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01012083