Do Distinct Biomes Influence the Cuticular Chemical Profile in Orchid Bees?

Abstract

Cuticular chemical profiles of Euglossa cordata L. males were analyzed to test whether ecological predictors affect their composition and relative proportion. Males were collected in areas of Caatinga and Atlantic Forest from Brazil during two distinct seasonal periods. We found 48 compounds from the cuticular extracts of males, which consisted of hydrocarbons (71.39%), acetates (16.79%), esters (10.5%), alcohols and others (1.31%). We verified that when specimens were separated between biomes, they did not show a qualitative differentiation, but a small quantitative variation of compounds was found between some alkanes. We suggest that these results reflect stability of epicuticular compounds even under variable environmental conditions.

Cultivation of Serapias orientalis Plant Using Symbiotic Methods and Investigation of Bioactive Compounds

“…For example, the fact that pentacosane levels were found to be 9.88% in male Euglossa cordata suggests that this molecule is essential in attracting female insects. 56 Analysis conducted on S. orientalis showed that the most common fatty acids are palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, aliphalinolenic, and stearic acids. Previous studies on orchids have reported varying amounts of fatty acids.…”

“…Moreover, examining the chemical profiles of cuticles in studies provides insights into the role of scent and pheromones in the interactions between male and female insects. For example, the fact that pentacosane levels were found to be 9.88% in male Euglossa cordata suggests that this molecule is essential in attracting female insects …”