Acylated Serine Derivatives: A Unique Class of Arthropod Pheromones of the Australian Redback Spider, <i>Latrodectus hasselti</i>

Abstract

Irresistible: Amino acid derivatives are very rarely used as pheromones by arthropods. The widow spider Latrodectus hasselti (see picture) uses a unique compound (see formula) to lure its males. The molecular configuration plays an important role in this unique chemical communication system.