Stink bug predator kills prey with salivary non-proteinaceous compounds

Insect Biochem Mol Biol. 2016 Jan:68:71-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2015.11.006. Epub 2015 Dec 2.

Abstract

Podisus nigrispinus Dallas (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a predator insect with potential applications in biological control because both nymphs and adults have been shown to prey on other insect pests by injection of toxic salivary gland contents. This study identified non-proteinaceous compounds with insecticidal activity from the saliva of P. nigrispinus in Anticarsia gemmatalis. In particular, the ether extract from P. nigrispinus saliva led to mortality in A. gemmatalis larvae, with a LC50 = 2.04 μL and LC90 = 3.27 μL. N,N-dimethylaniline and 1,2,5-trithiepane fractions were identified as non-proteinaceous extract components. N,N-dimethylaniline had a LC50 = 136.1 nL and LC90 = 413.8 nL, suggesting that it could be responsible for toxicity in P. nigrispinus saliva.

Keywords: 1,2,5-Trithiepane; Asopinae; Hemiptera; N,N-Dimethylaniline; Salivary glands; Venom.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arthropod Venoms / toxicity*
  • Heteroptera / physiology*
  • Insecticides / toxicity*
  • Lepidoptera
  • Predatory Behavior
  • Salivary Glands / chemistry*

Substances

  • Arthropod Venoms
  • Insecticides