Flavonoid metabolites in the hemolymph of European pine sawfly (Neodiprion sertifer) larvae

J Chem Ecol. 2012 May;38(5):538-46. doi: 10.1007/s10886-012-0113-y. Epub 2012 Apr 25.

Abstract

Flavonoids in the hemolymph of European pine sawfly (Neodiprion sertifer) larvae that were feeding on Pinus sylvestris needles were identified. HPLC-ESI-MS analysis revealed that the main components in the hemolymph were flavonol di- and triglucosides and a catechin monoglucoside. These compounds were isolated from the larval hemolymph and their structures were established by HPLC-MS, GC-MS, and NMR spectroscopy. The isolated flavonoids were identified as (+)-catechin 7-O-β-glucoside, isorhamnetin 3,7,4'-tri-O-β-glucoside, kaempferol 3,7,4'-tri-O-β-glucoside, and quercetin 3,7,4'-tri-O-β-glucoside. The combined concentration of these four compounds in the hemolymph was 3.7 mg/ml. None of these compounds was present in the needles of P. sylvestris. Therefore, we propose that the flavonoid glucosides were produced by the larvae from flavonoid monoglucosides and (+)-catechin obtained from the pine needles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Flavonoids / chemistry
  • Flavonoids / isolation & purification
  • Flavonoids / metabolism*
  • Hemolymph / chemistry
  • Hemolymph / metabolism
  • Hemolymph / physiology*
  • Herbivory*
  • Hymenoptera / chemistry
  • Hymenoptera / metabolism
  • Hymenoptera / physiology*
  • Larva / chemistry
  • Larva / metabolism
  • Larva / physiology
  • Pinus sylvestris / chemistry
  • Pinus sylvestris / metabolism*
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry
  • Plant Leaves / metabolism

Substances

  • Flavonoids