Gross et al. (2009) - Glands of leaf beetle larvae – protective ...

J. Gross and H. Schmidtberg (2009)
Glands of leaf beetle larvae – protective structures against attacking predators and pathogens
pp. 177-189
in Research on Chrysomelidae, vol. 2, edited by Jolivet, P., Santiago-Blay, J. and Schmidt, M.
Abstract: The exocrine glandular secretions of leaf beetle larvae of the taxon Chrysomelinae are well-known defensive devices used against generalistic predators. Recently it was shown that larvae of Phratora vitellinae produce fluid and volatile exocrine secretions containing antimicrobial compounds, which were used to disinfect their microenvironment. They are emitted by specialized openings above the larval glandular reservoirs and inhibit the growth of bacteria as well as the germination of fungi. In the present study we investigated in four further species from different genera of the taxon Chrysomelinae the morphological structures underlying this novel principle of fumigation in antimicrobial defense. We found in all genera furrow-shaped openings above the glandular reservoirs, allowing the larvae the permanent emission of volatile components, which build clouds of antimicrobial fumigants. Further, we could identify the antimicrobial active iridoid (epi)chrysomelidial as main component of the emitted fumigant of Phaedon cochleariae.
(The abstract has been supplied by the author or ISPI and is excluded from the Creative Commons licence.)
Database assignments for author(s): Jürgen Gross

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Chrysomela vigintipunctata	Willow (Salix)	Germany
	Phratora vitellinae	Willow (Salix)	Germany
	Phaedon cochleariae	Cabbage (Brassica oleracea)	Germany
	Plagiodera versicolora	Willow (Salix)	Germany