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.

Two species of chrysomelid leaf beetles found in Brazil, Diabrotica speciosa and Cerotoma arcuata, are strongly attracted to the root of Ceratosanthes hilariana (Cucurbitaceae). Root extracts stimulate a compulsive feeding response. The major feeding stimulants isolated from these extracts were cucurbitacin B and its 23,24-dihydro derivative.

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