Azamacrolides: a family of alkaloids from the pupal defensive secretion of a ladybird beetle (Epilachna varivestis).

Attygalle, A B; McCormick, K D; Blankespoor, C L; Eisner, T; Meinwald, J · Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · 1993

basic_science · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

Defensive droplets from glandular hairs of the pupa of the Mexican bean beetle, Epilachna varivestis, contain a group of structurally novel alkaloids, the azamacrolides. The major constituent of this secretion, epilachnene, is shown to be (5Z)-11-propyl-12-azacyclotetradec-5-en-14-olide. The secretion also contains an epilachnadiene and trace amounts of three closely related components.

Medical subject headings