Abstract
A survey is given on the chemical ecology of Saturniidae and Lymantriidae. Caterpillars of the 2 families have exocrine glands and glandular hairs with divergent morphological specializations. The secretions delivered as well as the larval hemolymph mostly contain aromatic and N-containing compounds but with distinct differences in the compound patterns of the body fluids. Striking similarities between the chemistry of the 2 families and the hemolymph of larval Notodontidae may point at a basic, common secondary metabolism of moths. Obviously, most of these secondary compounds are synthesized de novo from precursors acquired from the foodplants of the caterpillars. Biological tests suggest that the main function of the compounds in the 2 families and in notodontid hemolymph might be defence from pathogenic microorganisms, parasitoids, and predators. Transfer of larval defensive compounds through the developmental cycle seems to take place to only a very limited extent.
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