The structures of volatile chemicals released by parasitic wasps in the family Bethylidae are shown to correspond to the subfamily to which the species belong. Species in the Epyrinae release skatole (3-methylindole) and species in the Bethylinae release a spiroacetal (2-methyl-1,7-dioxaspiro [5.5]undecane): these compounds are chemically very different. The enantiomeric composition of the spiroacetal differs between congeneric species. Chemical release is a discrete event under the active control of both male and female wasps. Structural differences between the mandibular glands and intramandibular glands suggest the mandibular glands to be the source of released volatiles. Real-time mass spectrometry shows that the spiroacetal is released by Goniozus nephantidis females during dyadic resource contests, with release more common during more aggressive interactions. Chemical tagging with deuterium further shows that the volatile is released by the loser of an agonistic interaction and not the winner. The function of spiroacetal and skatole release by bethylids is discussed.
The lipophilic content of the cloacal gland secretion of the tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) was investigated. GC/EI-MS Analysis of CH2Cl2 extracts of the secretions revealed triacylglycerols as major glandular constituents. Twelve major medium-chain fatty acids were found to be conjugated to glycerol in different combinations, resulting in complex mixtures. These acids were identified by transesterification and subsequent derivatization of natural samples, and their structures were verified by synthesis. The natural glycerides contain predominantly three of the following acids: octanoic (A), (E)- and (Z)-oct-4-enoic (B and C, resp.), (4E,6Z)-octa-4,6-dienoic (tuataric acid; D), (R)-2,6-dimethylheptanoic (E), (R)-2,6-dimethylhept-5-enoic (F), (Z)-dec-4-enoic (G), (4Z,7Z)-deca-4,7-dienoic (H), (R)-3,7-dimethyloct-6-enoic (I), (R)-4,8-dimethylnon-7-enoic (J), (2R,6S)-2,6,10-trimethylundec-9-enoic (K), and (2R,5E)-2,6,10-trimethylundeca-5,9-dienoic acids (L). Several additional acids, occurring in trace amounts only, were tentatively identified by MS. The elucidation of the absolute configuration of the acids was performed by GC on chiral phases. Individual tuatara show specific mixtures of glycerides with up to 100 components. The individual mixtures may permit individual recognition because the bouquets seem to be stable over years.
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