Sequestration of cucurbitacin analogs by New and Old World chrysomelid leaf beetles in the tribe Luperini

Abstract

SummaryTwo South American polyphagous ieaf beetles, Diabrotica speciosa and Cerotoma 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 genus Aulacophora were found to sequester the same compound. Cucurbitacin änalogs were shown to deter feeding by a bird predator, indicating an ailomonal role for these compounds in cucurbitacin-associated chrysomelid ieaf beetles both of New and Oid 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.

Effects of age, sex, and dietary history on response to cucurbitacin in Acalymma vittatum

“…These beetles are able to consume large quantities and are known to metabolize, excrete, and sequester cucurbitacins, imparting bitterness throughout their bodies and to eggs Brust & Barbercheck, 1992). As a result, these physiologically adapted beetles have been shown to gain protection from predators such as Chinese mantids and sparrows (Nishida et al, 1992) and from pathogens (Tallamy et al, 1998).…”

Biological Parameters of Euschistus heros (F.) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) and its Susceptibility to Entomopathogenic Fungi When Fed on Different Diets

“…For example, susceptibility may be affected by components of the insect cuticle, seeing that conidia may suffer from toxicity, fungistatic effects and eventual stimulating effects (Sosa-Gómez et al 1997;Gillespie et al 2000;Santiago-Alvarez et al 2006) by compounds in the cuticle of the insects, those sequestrated from alimentary sources (Tallamy et al 1998), or even through volatiles produced by metathoracic glands (Lopes et al 2015). This effect has been demonstrated for fungi (Nishida et al 1992;Tallamy et al 1998;Poprawski et al 2000a;Poprawski et al 2000b;Klingen et al 2002). The first phases of the fungi infective process, i.e., adhesion, germination, the formation of invasive structures and the beginning of penetration, all occur on the cuticle.…”

Isca amilácea de cucurbitacina (Lagenaria vulgaris L.) promove maior eficiência do inseticida carbaril no controle de Diabrotica speciosa, em laboratório

“…Os diabroticíneos, pertencentes à tribo Luperini (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), mantêm uma relação coevolutiva com plantas da família Cucurbitaceae (METCALF & LAMPMAN, 1989;NISHIDA et al, 1992). Esta relação é atribuída principalmente à cucurbitacina, uma substância secundária que é amarga ao paladar e tóxica a muitos insetos, no entanto, para tais insetos, esta é fagoestimulante e arrestante (CHAMBLIS & JONES, 1966;HOWE et al, 1976).…”