Sequestration of cucurbitacin analogs by New and Old World chrysomelid leaf beetles in the tribe Luperini |
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Authors: | Ritsuo Nishida Masaru Yokoyama Hiroshi Fukami |
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Affiliation: | (1) Pesticide Research Institute, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyoto University, 606 Kyoto, Japan;(2) National Research Center for Rice and Beans (EMBRAPA/CNPAF), P. O. Box 179, 74.000 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil |
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Abstract: | Summary Two South American polyphagous leaf beetles,Diabrotica speciosa andCerotoma arcuata, selectively accumulated the bitter tasting compound 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin D in their body after ingesting root tissues of cucurbit plants. Similarly, three Asian Cucurbitaceae-feeding specialists in the genusAulacophora were found to sequester the same compound. Cucurbitacin analogs were shown to deter feeding by a bird predator, indicating an allomonal role for these compounds in cucurbitacin-associated chrysomelid leaf beetles both of New and Old Worlds. The strong affinity to cucurbitacins, selective sequestration of the analogs and consequent protection from predators suggested an ecological adaptation mechanism developed in common among these two geographically isolated subtribes in the Luperini. |
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Keywords: | sequestration pharmacophagy defense allomone kairomone cucurbitacin Cucurbitaceae Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Luperini Diabrotica Aulacophora |
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