The cactus moth Cactoblastis cactorum is native to South America where its larvae feed on the pads of the prickly pear cactus Opuntia.  The range of the moth has extended to Australia, South Africa, the Caribbean, and the Southeastern United States and the insect has the potential to move into Mexico and threaten native and commercial stands of prickly pear.  The Cactoblastis  larvae have specialized mandibular glands that produce an oily substance that elicits trail following behavior in Cactoblastis larvae.  As part of an effort to develop a biological control of this invasive species, the major components of the mandibular gland secretion were isolated and their structures were found to be a series of 2-acyl-4-acetoxy-cyclohexane-1,3-diones.

Structure determination of the major components of the mandibular gland secretion produced by <i>Cactoblastis cactorum</i> larvae

245th National Meeting (2013)

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Structure determination of the major components of the mandibular gland secretion produced by Cactoblastis cactorum larvae