Antibacterial Activity of Defensive Secretions from the Lace Bug Stephanitis svensoni (Drake) (Hemiptera: Tingidae)

Abstract

Nymphs of Stephanitis svensoni (Drake) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) have numerous glandular setae on their dorsal abdomens. Chemical analysis of the exudates from these setae revealed the presence of 11 compounds, including aliphatic aldehydes, aliphatic ketones, and aromatic polyketides. Among them, 3-oxododecanal, 5-hydroxy-2-heptylchromanone, and 5-hydroxy-2-undecanylchromanone were identified for the first time in the family Tingidae. Previous research has suggested that secretions from nymphs of the genus Stephanitis, belonging to the family Tingidae, function as defensive substances against predators. The exudates of S. svensoni showed antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. Antibacterial tests conducted using preparations of the 10 identified compounds showed antibacterial activity in 3-oxododecanal, 2,6-dihydroxyacetophenone, and 1-(2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)dodecan-1-one. In addition, antibacterial tests against the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli showed activity in 2,6-dihydroxyacetophenone and 1-(2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)dodecan-1-one. Therefore, 2,6-dihydroxyacetophenone and 1-(2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)dodecan-1-one exhibited a wide antibacterial spectrum. Particularly, 1-(2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)dodecan-1-one, which showed antibacterial activity even at low concentrations, holds promise as lead drug compound.