Structural correlation between cuticular hydrocarbons and female contact sex pheromone of German cockroachBlattella germanica (L.)

Abstract

The structural relationships between the cuticular hydrocarbons and the contact sex pheromone of the female German cockroach,Blattella germanica, were investigated. Cuticular hexane extracts were separated into hydrocarbon and ketone fractions by TLC or silicic acid column chromatography. The ketone fraction (which contains the major contact sex pheromone component) was analyzed by GC-MS before and after reduction to ydrocarbon. In addition to 3,11-dimethyl-2-nonacosanone, 3,11-dimethyl-2-heptacosanone was also identified. Females have the 3,11- and 3,9-dimethyl C27 and C29 alkanes, but only the 3,11- isomer of the dimethylketones. Inddition to the hydrocarbon components previously reported, a number of new components were characterized. Although the ratios of cuticular hydrocarbons differ among nymphs, adult males, and adult females, they have qualitatively identical hydrocarbon profiles, suggesting that the production of the contact sex pheromone results from the sex-specific oxidation of 3,11-imethylalkanes to pheromone components by the female.

Site of synthesis, tissue distribution, and lipophorin transport of hydrocarbons in Blattella germanica (L.) nymphs

“…The major components are 3,11-, 3,9-, and 3,7-dimethylnonacosane, 9-, 11-, 13-, and 15-methylnonacosane, 3-methylnonacosane, and n-nonacosane. The types of HC and their relative composition are remarkably similar to those of adult males and females (Jurenka et al, 1989). Moreover, epicuticular, internal, and hemolymph extracts exhibit similar chromatographic HC profiles, as previously shown in other insects (see Schal et al, 1998).…”

Diet-Related Modification of Cuticular Hydrocarbon Profiles of the Argentine Ant, Linepithema humile, Diminishes Intercolony Aggression

“…For B. germanica, we selected peaks corresponding to 11-, 13-, and 15-methylnonacosane and 3-methylnonacosane. Both hydrocarbons are relatively abundant in adult B. germanica, comprising approximately 14.5 and 10.3% of the total hydrocarbons, respectively (Jurenka et al, 1989). Furthermore, our preliminary analysis indicated that both hydrocarbons were readily acquired by Argentine ants.…”

“…Quantitative data were obtained by integrating the peaks and calculating the percent area under each peak. Specific peak identity was determined with hydrocarbon standards and by matching diagnostic peaks with those from prior studies (Jurenka et al, 1989;Liang et al, 2001).…”

Are differences in hydrocarbon profiles able to mediate strain recognition in German cockroaches (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae)?

“…In the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.), (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae), cuticular hydrocarbons consist of a complex mixture of apolar compounds which con tain n-alkanes and mono-and dimethylalkanes (Augustynowicz et al, 1987;Carlson & Brenner, 1988;Jurenka et al, 1989;. Our previous results showed that cuticular hydrocarbons operate as an aggre gation pheromone and that in choice tests, young larvae select filter papers conditioned by cuticular hydrocarbons as resting areas .…”