Publication Type: | Journal Article |
Year of Publication: | 2004 |
Authors: | H. D. Douglas_III, Co, J. E., Jones, T. H., Conner, W. E. |
Journal: | Journal of Chemical Ecology |
Volume: | 30 |
Issue: | 20 |
Pagination: | 1921-1935 |
Date Published: | 10/2004 |
Keywords: | (Z)-4-dodecenal, (Z)-6-dodecenal, Aldehydes, chemical defence, Crested auklet, ectoparasites, pheromones, seabirds, synthesis, whiskered auklet |
Abstract: | Abstract—The true auklets (Genus Aethia) are small planktivorous seabirds of the Bering Sea and North Pacific. Two species, the crested and whiskered auklets produce volatile citrus-like odorants. We here show that the whiskered auklet odorant is composed predominantly of two odd-numbered aldehydes (heptanal and nonanal) with no detectable unsaturated aldehydes. By comparison the crested auklet odorant is dominated by even-numbered aldehydes, both saturated and monounsaturated, ranging in size from 6 to 12 carbons. This is evidence of species-specific acquisition or biosynthetic pathways. We clarify the chemistry of the crested auklet odorant. We cite evidence that the C-12:1 aldehyde in crested auklets is actually two isomers, (Z)-4-dodecenal and (Z)-6-dodecenal. We also report on experimental evidence that aldehyde constituents kill and repel ectoparasites. Efficacy of the aldehydes may increase when they are combined in a mixture. The repellency of the mixture increases with chemical concentration. This suggests that individuals with higher chemical production are likely to repel ectoparasites more effectively. |
URL: | http://phthiraptera.info/sites/phthiraptera.info/files/68969.pdf |
Interspecific differences in AETHIA SPP. auklet odorants and evidence for chemical defence against ectoparasites
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