Antiinsectan activity of epilachnene, a defensive alkaloid from pupae of Mexican bean beetles (Epilachna varivestis).

Abstract

Epilachnene [(5Z)-11-propyl-12-azacyclotetradec-5-en-14-olide], the principal component of the secretion of the pupal defensive hairs of the Mexican bean beetle (Epilachna varivestis), has antiinsectan activity. Both the R enantiomer of epilachnene, and the S enantiomer (the natural configuration of the compound), proved deterrent in a feeding bioassay with a predaceous coccinellid beetle (Harmonia axyridis). Moreover, both enantiomers proved active in a topical irritancy test with a cockroach (Periplaneta americana).