Identification of defensive compounds in metathoracic glands of adults of the stink bug Dichelops melacanthus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

the contents of metathoracic glands of adults of the stink bug dichelops melacanthus (hemiptera: pentatomidae) were analyzed. compounds were identified by gas chromatography (gc), coupled gc-mass spectrometry and matching retention indices and mass spectra with those of authentic samples. tridecane was the major component followed by lesser and approximately equal amounts of (e)-4-oxo-2-hexenal and (e)-2-octenal. other compounds identified include (e)-2-hexenal, decane, (e)-2-hexenyl acetate, undecane, (e)-4-oxo-2-octenal, dodecane, (e)-2-octenyl acetate, 1-tridecene, tetradecane and pentadecane.