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Geranyllinalool (Diterpene Alcohol) : An insecticidal component of pine wood and termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
M Lemaire1, P Nagnan, J L Clement
1Museum Gabriel Foucher, Parc Saint-Paul, 18000, Bourges, France.
Abstract:
Geranyllinalool is an insecticidal component of pine wood and of the defensive secretion ofReticulitermes species. Lethal doses (LD50) were calculated for termites and various ant species. Termite workers were very resistant (10,000 ppm). Ant resistance varies among species according to their trophic strategy and attack mode. The geranyllinalool acts as a natural insecticide against some ant predators (LD50=6 ppm), which use raid or chemical crypsis to invade termite nests. In contrast, predators laying the venom on the cuticle of their termite prey were very resistant (10,000 ppm). Generally, ants acting as space competitors could detoxify the quantity emitted by one termite soldier (18 ppm).
