What physiological processes permit insects to eat Eucalyptus leaves?

Abstract

AbstractMany species of insects eat Eucalyptus foliage despite its relatively low nutritional value and the many plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) present, for example, terpenes, phenols and formylated phloroglucinols (FPGs). Formylated phloroglucinols are a new class of PSMs that act as antifeedants for possums and koalas. What physiological processes are present that permit insects to eat eucalypt foliage and how do PSMs influence insect feeding or digestion? Some trees seem to be repeatedly infested with eucalypt‐feeding insects, possibly as a result of previous chemosensory cues remaining from parental selection of a plant. Avoidance or storage of PSMs permit jarrah leafminers (Perthida glyphopa) and sawflies (Perga sp.) to consume eucalypt foliage without dealing with the majority of these compounds. Some PSMs can be metabolized by polysubstrate membrane oxidases as found in caterpillars or sawflies that feed on eucalypts. High midgut pH may be advantageous for nutrient extraction and PSM metabolism, and midgut pH ranges between 8.5 and 8.9 for caterpillars of Hyalarcta huebneri. Plant secondary metabolites may not be absorbed as a result of the combined presence of the peritrophic matrix and endogenous surfactants. Excretion of PSMs can be as metabolites or intact compounds. Both putative metabolites and sideroxylonal‐A, an FPG, are present in the faeces of larvae of the case moth, H. huebneri. The presence of sideroxylonal‐A in the food had an effect on the presence of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5HT) in the central nervous system of caterpillars, as larvae fed leaves with a high concentration of sideroxylonal‐A had relatively more 5HT in the brain and central nervous system ganglia than larvae fed leaves containing a low concentration. Further work is necessary to clarify how PSMs are handled by eucalypt‐feeding insects and what effect FPGs have on feeding and digestion.