Benzoic Acid Derivatives in a Hypogastrurid Collembolan: Temperature-Dependent Formation and Biological Significance as Deterrents

Abstract

Two phenolic acids were identified in the collembolan Ceratophysella denticulata: 3-hydroxy-4,5 dimethoxy benzoic acid and 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzoic acid (syringic acid). These are localized on or in the integument of the springtail, in field-collected animals, in a ratio of 47:100 (v/v). Springtails kept under different temperature regimes showed differences in production and ratio of the benzoic acid derivatives. At 20 degrees C, C. denticulata produced only syringic acid, whereas at 10 degrees C both isomers in a ratio of 100:61 (v/v) were detected. Bioassays with C. denticulata as well as with the specialized collembolan predator Stenus comma (Staphylinidae) were carried out. Staphylinid beetles topically treated with the acids try to clean their mouthparts by rubbing them on the ground significantly more often than do control beetles. Both compounds individually and as a natural mixture have deterrent effects towards the predator S. comma.

Chemical communication in springtails: a review of facts and perspectives

“…Ceratophysella denticulata against a rove beetle (Bitzer et al 2004), or the giant springtail Tetradotonphora bielanensis against a ground beetle (Dettner et al 1996). The emission of predatorrepulsive allomones occurs when predatory attack is simulated with a needle as in Protaphorura lata (Usher and Balogun 1966).…”

“…These compounds were identified in fluids excreted by secretory organs (pseudocella) and were not found in food and faeces (Dettner et al 1996). The hypogastrurid Ceratophysella denticulata was shown to excrete 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethoxybenzoic acid (DmHbA) and 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzoic acid, better known as syringic acid (Bitzer et al 2004). These phenolic acids are known for their strongly irritating properties (Hayashi et al 1999).…”

Biology and key to theAustralian species ofHypogastruraandCeratophysella(Collembola:Hypogastruridae)

“…Ceratophysella denticulata has been shown to contain two phenolic acids on the cuticle that confers a repellent effect and makes them distasteful to some predators such as staphylinid beetles (Bitzer et al . ). Also, the mite Anystis wallacei Otto (Acari: Anystidae), which is a voracious predator of other Collembola such as Folsomia candida Willem, will not feed on H. vernalis in the laboratory (J Otto pers.…”

Sigillin A, a Unique Polychlorinated Arthropod Deterrent from the Snow Flea Ceratophysella sigillata

“…Previous work has shown that other Collembola successfully use chemical defense to repel predators. C. denticulata produces syringic and 3‐hydroxy‐4,5‐dimethoxy benzoic acids4 to ward off attacks. Other known defense compounds from collembola include 2‐aminophenol from Neanura muscorum ,5 and unique pyrido[2,3‐b]pyrazines contained in the pseudocelluar fluid of Tetrodontophora bielanensis 6 and also produced by Onychiurus scotarius and O. circulans.…”