Pheromone Study on Acarid Mites XVI. Identification of Hexyl Linolate in Acarid Mites and its Distribution among the Genus Tyrophagus

Abstract

n-Hexyl linolate, n-hexyl (Z, Z)-9, 12-octadecadienoate was identified commonly in all strains of four species of acarid mites belonging to the genus Tyrophagus; however, the compound was not detected in three other species of related acaricd mites. Although origin and function of the ester is obscure, it may be one component of the exudate from the opisthonotal gland and serve as a bio-solvent of the alarm pheromone present in the gland. The other possible function of the wax may be as a component of cuticle to prevent moisture loss from the body. The ester was demonstrated to be produced biosynthetically. This is the first example reported of the occurrence of n-hexyl linolate in nature.