Acylated serine derivatives: A unique class of arthropod pheromones of the Australian redback spider, Latrodectus hasselti

Abstract

(Figure Presented) Irresistible: Amino acid derivatives are very rarely used as pheromones by arthropods. The widow spider Latrodectus hasselti (see picture) uses a unique compound (see formula) to lure its males. The molecular configuration plays an important role in this unique chemical communication system. © 2010 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.