Volatile Compounds from Androconial Organs of Danaine and Ithomiine Butterflies

Pyrrolizidine alkaloid derivatives are present in the androconial (male scent) organs of Prittwitzia hymenaea, Mechanitis isthmia veritabilis, Tithorea harmónia fúria (Lep., Ithomiinae), Amauris echeria and Euploea sylvester (Lep., Danainae). While the ithomiines contain the new pyrrolizidine alkaloid derivative methyl hydroxydanaidoate, the danaines contain the known derivatives danaidone and hydroxydanaidal. In addition, 2,2,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-l,4-dione (oxoisophorone) and related terpenoids have been identified from Amauris, Euploea and Prittwitzia as well as from the flowers of Buddleja davidii (Loganiaceae). Three new naturally occurring bishomoterpenes as well as monoand sesquiterpenes and aromatic compounds add to the formation of species specific blends in the scent organs of the butterflies.