Evolution of exocrine chemical defense in leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Pasteels, Jacques M.; Rahier, Martine; Braekman, J. C.; Daloze, D.; Duffey, S.

doi:10.1007/BF01951815

Evolution of exocrine chemical defense in leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Author(s)

Pasteels, Jacques M.

Rahier, Martine

Institut de biologie

Braekman, J. C.

Daloze, D.

Duffey, S.

Date issued

1989

In

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, Springer (Birkhäuser), 1989/45/3/295-300

Subjects

Cardenolides dipeptides isoxazolinone glucoside pyrrolizidine alkaloids host plant influence toxin sequestration

Abstract

In this review we speculate on possible scenarios for the evolution of the very high diversity in chemical compounds liberated by exocrine glands of adults Chrysomelidae. Shift in host plant affinities and subsequent adaptation of the beetles to the plant toxins strongly influence the nature of the beetles' chemical defense.