Review of the cuticular lipids of spiders (Araneae)

Abstract

Cuticular lipids are essential for the functioning of all arthropods. They maintain water balance, are involved in intraspecifi c and interspecifi c chemical communication and prevent fungal and bacterial infections. Although, the insect's lipid layer is relatively well known, that of spiders is considerably less well known. Only a few species are studied in terms of the identifi cation and composition of cuticular lipids. The results obtained so far are discussed in this article. Spiders are subjected to various forms of extraction and in the majority of cases the subsequent analysis using GC-MS identifi ed hydrocarbons, carboxylic acids, esters, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, methyl ethers and cholesterol. Among these lipids there are semiochemicals, mainly pheromones and kin recognition cues. Despite the few publications on spider cuticular lipids, this subject is signifi cant in terms of searching for antimicrobial substances such as potential bio fungicides and medicines.