The chemistry of the metasternal gland secretion of the eucalypt longicorn Phoracantha synonyma (Coleoptera : Cerambycidae)

Abstract

The metasternal gland secretion of Phoracantha synonyma contains a diversity of volatile components, one of which, 2-hydroxy-6-methylbenzaldehyde (1), is of widespread occurrence in the genus. Threemajor components and several minor components are macrocyclic lactones, of which the following have been positively identified: decan-9-olide (2), (2)-dec-4-en-9-olide (3) and 11-hydroxytetradec-5-en-13-olide (4). The methyl and ethyl esters of 2-methylbutyric and related acids are also present and are responsible for the characteristic odour of the fresh secretion.