ARS | Publication request: Cuticular hydrocarbons from the bed bug Cimex lectularius L.

Submitted to: Biochemical Systematics and Ecology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: August 28, 2011
Publication Date: September 20, 2011
Citation: Feldlaufer, M.F., Blomquist, G. 2011. Cuticular hydrocarbons from the bed bug Cimex lectularius L. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology. 39:283-285.

Interpretive Summary: The resurgence of bed bugs has led to the need for a better understanding of bed bug behavior in the hope that this will contribute to the design of more efficient lures and traps. While certain bed bug-produced chemicals have been shown to be involved with the behaviors of attraction and aggregation, little information exists on the specific identity of these chemicals. We have identified 17 individual chemicals that we collected from male and female bed bugs. This information will be useful to other researchers and industry scientists trying to understand bed bug behavior and design better traps for bed bug monitoring and control.

Technical Abstract: Pentane extracts of male and female bed bugs were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry in an effort to identify cuticular hydrocarbons. Seventeen hydrocarbons accounting for nearly 99% of the compounds eluting in the cuticular hydrocarbon region were identified. The sample contained mostly n-alkanes of 24 to 34 carbons, with odd numbered components predominating. The second major type of hydrocarbon were the 2-methylalkanes.