The Chemical Composition of Cuticular Lipids from Dragonflies (Odonata)

Abstract

The cuticular lipids of 4 species (Aeschna grandis, A. mixta, Sympetrum sanguineum, S. danae) of the insect order Odonata (dragonflies) have been analysed. Alkanes, triglycerides, and free fatty acids predominate and minor amounts of monoester waxes have been detected. Among the hydrocarbons unbranched odd-numbered (56-66%) predominate, followed by monometnyl-alka-nes with the branch in the middle of molecule (11 – 19%), 3-methylalkanes (7 – 15%), and 2-methyl-alkanes (1 – 13%). Moreover, alkanes (1 – 12%) were detected. The composition of triglycerides and free fatty acids were very similar with 14 : 0, 16 : 0, 18 : 0, 16: 1, 18: 1 and 18 : 2 “being main constituents. Ester waxes were composed of unbranched and predominantly even-numbered fatty acids and alcohols with chain lengths C14 – C30. The results are discussed from a chemotaxonomic viewpoint. Similarities of the integumental lipids from Odonata and Plecoptera were found. © 1979, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.