Semiochemicals of the Scarabaeinae, V*: Characterization of the Defensive Secretion of the Dung Beetle Oniticellus egregius

Abstract

Abstract Using techniques that were developed for the concentration and analysis of airborne or­ganic volatiles, methyl salicylate and 1,4-benzoquinone were found to be the only two com ­ pounds present in detectable quantities in the effluvium of Oniticellus egregius. These two compounds, previously identified in the defensive secretions of other arthropods, are pre­sumed to be produced as a defense mechanism against predators, such as birds. Methyl salicylate and 1,4-benzoquinone have thus far not been found to occur in other Scarabaeinae.