(+)-2,3-Dehydro-10-oxo-α-isosparteine in Uresiphita reversalis larvae fed on Cytisus monspessulanus leaves

Abstract

Quinolizidine alkaloids, found in the leaves of Cytisus monspessulanus L. (Leguminosae), were characterized in the cuticle of larvae of the pyralid moth Uresiphita reversalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) when the latter were fed on this weed. By GC–MS analysis of the methanolic extracts of the cuticle, four quinolizidine alkaloids, N-methylcytisine, cytisine, aphylline and anagyrine, were identified as possible defense substances. In addition, the quinolizidine alkaloid, (+)-2,3-dehydro-10-oxo-α-isosparteine was characterized in both the insect and host plant.