| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication: | 2004 |
| Authors: | T. Schmitt, Krell, F. T., Linsenmair, K. E. |
| Journal: | Journal of Chemical Ecology |
| Volume: | 30 |
| Pagination: | 731-740 |
| Date Published: | Apr |
| Accession Number: | ISI:000221530700004 |
| Keywords: | attractants, benzoquinones, chemical defense, COLEOPTERA, defensive secretions, diplopod-defensive secretions, Diplopoda, Dung beetles, food, necrophagy, predators, quinones, Scarabaeidae |
| Abstract: | 2-Methyl-1,4-benzoquinone (toluquinone) and 2-methoxy-3-methyl1,4-benzoquinone are the most common components of defensive secretions of juliform millipedes (Diplopoda: Juliformia). A natural and a synthetic millipede-defensive secretion composed of these two substances attract dung beetles of a few Onthophagus species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) that feed mainly on freshly dead millipedes. This olfactory mechanism and adaptation to the toxic effects of quinones enables them to be the first and exclusive users of this resource. |
| URL: | <Go to ISI>://000221530700004 |
| Alternate Journal: | J. Chem. Ecol. |