ISSN:
1573-1561
Keywords:
Pycnogonids
;
Pycnogonum litorale
;
Pantopoda
;
Crustacea
;
Carcinus maenas
;
ecdysteroids
;
20-hydroxyecdysone
;
20-hydroxyecdysone 22-acetate
;
chemical defense
;
predator-prey interactions
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Abstract Pycnogonum litorale (Ström) is unpalatable to the common shore crabCarcinus maenas, a generalist predator in the pycnogonid's habitat. A feeding bioassay reveals that the crabs are deterred by ecdysteroids that occur in high levels in all developmental stages ofP. litorale. The total ecdysteroids in the pycnogonids reach 5.9×10−4 M. The 20-hydroxyecdysone 22-acetate (20E22A), which is the predominant ecdysteroid in the pycnogonids, and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), the arthropod molting hormone, were tested for their antifeedant effect onC. maenas. When contained in food pellets in homogeneous concentrations, 20E and 20E22A significantly reduced food consumption at 1.25×10−4 and 5.0×10−4 molar levels, respectively. The present results demonstrate for the first time chemical defense in arthropods in a marine predator-prey relationship. Furthermore, they provide evidence that ES contained in one animal can act as feeding deterrents on another animal.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02059872
Permalink