The occurrence of phenolic substances in arthropods

Abstract

The occurrence of 3,4 -dihydroxyphenylacetic acid in 6 insect spp. (Locusta migratoria, Rhizopertha dominica, Sitophilus granarius, S. oryzae, Tribolium confusum, T. ferrugineum) is reported. T. confusum and T. ferringineum contain, in addition, 3,4-dihy-droxybenzoic acid. These phenolic acids are believed to play a part in the hardening of insect cuticle. From aqueous sulfurous acid used to kill and store two spp. of Tribolium, ethylhydroquinone was isolated in substantial yield. Its isolation confirms the results of earlier workers who showed that ethyl-p-benzoquinone is secreted by these insects. Evidence, is present that tolu-hydroquinone is also present in the extracts.