4-Oxo-Aldehydes from the dorsal abdominal glands of the bed bug (hemiptera: cimicidae)

Authors: Feldlaufer, Mark; Domingue, Michael; Chauhan, Kamlesh; Aldrich, Jeffrey

Submitted to: Journal of Medical Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/3/2009
Publication Date: 3/15/2010
Citation: Feldlaufer, M.F., Domingue, M.J., Chauhan, K.R., Aldrich, J.R. 2010. 4-Oxo-Aldehydes from the dorsal abdominal glands of the bed bug (hemiptera: cimicidae). Journal of Medical Entomology. 47(2):140-143.

Interpretive Summary: The resurgence of bed bugs has led to the need of developing better forms of control. Several new control methods designed to attract and trap bed bugs or kill them incorporate chemicals produced by bed bugs. We identified two new compounds from the scent glands of bed bugs that may be important in their chemical ecology. Incorporation of these new compounds into existing traps may increase a trap’s efficiency, thereby achieving better bed bug control. This information will be used by scientists interested in developing enhanced methods to control bed bugs and subsequently by pest control operators involved in bed bug control in the field.

Technical Abstract: Analyses of the dorsal abdominal glands of fourth- and fifth-instar nymphs of the bed bud Cimex lectularius L. indicated the predominant constituents were (E)-2-hexenal and (E)-2-octenal with lesser amounts of 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal and 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal. The latter two compounds have not previously been reported as occurring in bed bugs. There were no differences in the chemical composition of the dorsal abdominal glands excised from exuviae left behind by either male or female adults, nor from glands excised from fourth-instar exuviae. Since the two oxo-aldehydes comprised at least 16% of the gland contents, it may be important to assess and include these compounds into any methods designed to trap or control bed bugs.