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Chemical Defense in Millipedes (Myriapoda, Diplopoda): Do Representatives of the Family Blaniulidae Belong to the ‘Quinone’ Clade?
Author(s) -
Vujisić Ljubodrag V.,
Antić Dragan Ž.,
Vučković Ivan M.,
Sekulić Tatjana Lj.,
Tomić Vladimir T.,
Mandić Boris M.,
Tešević Vele V.,
Ćurčić Božidar P. M.,
Vajs Vlatka E.,
Makarov Slobodan E.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
chemistry and biodiversity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.427
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1612-1880
pISSN - 1612-1872
DOI - 10.1002/cbdv.201300355
Subject(s) - myriapoda , millipede , chemistry , quinone , chemical defense , benzoquinone , clade , methylenedioxy , stereochemistry , botany , zoology , biology , biochemistry , organic chemistry , taxonomy (biology) , phylogenetics , gene , herbivore , alkyl , halogen
The defensive secretions of two blaniulid millipedes, Nopoiulus kochii and Cibiniulus phlepsii , were characterized by GC‐FID and GC/MS analyses, which showed the presence of a complex mixture of benzoquinones, hydroquinones, and oleates. Altogether, 13 compounds were identified. The major compound in the secretions of both analyzed species was 2‐methyl‐1,4‐benzoquinone (toluquinone). The second major constituent in the N. kochii secretion was 2‐methyl‐3,4‐(methylenedioxy)phenol, while in that of C. phlepsii , it was 2‐methoxy‐3‐methyl‐1,4‐benzoquinone. The defensive secretion of N. kochii also showed a high content of hydroquinones (13.5%) in comparison to that of C. phlepsii (0.8%). Hexyl oleate and octyl oleate were detected for the first time in defensive millipede fluids. The chemical composition of the defensive secretions supports the chemotaxonomic position of the family Blaniulidae in the ‘quinone’ millipede clade.