ABSTRACT
Abdominal defensive glands of both sexes of the Gulf fritillary butterfly, Agraulis vanillae (Linnaeus) (Nymphalidae:Heliconiinae) emit a pronounced odor when disturbed. We have identified 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one; oleic, palmitic, and stearic esters of the corresponding alcohol 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-ol; hexadecyl acetate; 1,16-hexadecanediol diacetate; and 1,15-hexade-canediol diacetate in the glandular exudate. Since we have determined that free-flying birds or birds in a butterfly conservatory discriminate against A. vanillae as prey, we suggest that the constituents in the glands may play a defensive role against potential avian predators.
Subject(s)
Acetates/isolation & purification , Exocrine Glands/chemistry , Lepidoptera/physiology , Abdomen , Acetates/chemistry , Animals , Birds , Female , Male , Odorants , Predatory BehaviorABSTRACT
Septic arthritis due to Serratia species was seen in four users of intravenous heroin. In all cases, the organism was cultured from joint aspirates. Both the clinical presentation and the involvement of the sacro-iliac and knee joints were notably similar to the Pseudomonas septic arthritis encountered in other heroin users. All four patients responded satisfactorily to therapy although one had a residual flexion contracture of the knee. Twelve previously reported cases of Serratia arthritis are reviewed.
