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Insect hydrocarbons: analysis, structures and functions 1
Author(s) -
PENNANEC'H M.,
PHO D. B.,
PECHINE J.M.,
JALLON J.M.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
eppo bulletin
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.327
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 1365-2338
pISSN - 0250-8052
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2338.1995.tb01476.x
Subject(s) - arthropod cuticle , cuticle (hair) , insect , population , molecule , mass spectrometry , gas chromatography , toluene , carbon chain , biology , chemistry , chromatography , ecology , organic chemistry , paleontology , demography , sociology
Hydrocarbons are excellent markers for insects, as they are permanent and abundant components of their cuticle. They are present in the epicuticle, which is the most external layer of this cuticle, and they are very simple molecules, containing only carbon and hydrogen. They are linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated and contain 20 to 50 carbons. A highly sensitive method for their characterization is gas chromatography (GC) with capillary columns and various detectors, including mass spectrometry which gives structural information directly. Various biological aspects of these molecules are discussed in relation to species specificity, population polymorphism and physiological variations, and are illustrated by examples mainly from Diptera. In addition to their role in the protection of the animal, hydrocarbons actively participate in stimulation of sexual behaviour and recognition of castes and colonies for social insects. Field applications have been designed to control these insects.