Natural history pheromones

Coyle, F. A. and Shear, W. A. (1981). Observations on the natural history of Sphodros abboti and Sphodros rufipes (Araneae, Atypidae), with evidence for a contact sex pheromone. Journal of Arachnology 9 317-326. 

Studies of pheromonal advertisement during territorial defense are, essentially, just beginning. For that reason, in this paper I shall attempt to review what little information is available about territorial pheromones and, additionally, to put this information in the context of the natural history of selected species. 

Dianeackerone is a volatile natural product isolated from secretory glands of the adult African dwarf crocodile. The compound is believed to be a pheromone associated with nesting and mating. Dianeackerone is named after Diane Ackerman, an author in the field of natural history and champion of the importance of preserving biodiversity. The lUPAC name of dianeackerone is 3,7-diethyl-9-phenylnonan-2-one, and it is found as both the (35,75) and (3S,7R) stereoisomers. Draw structures for both stereoisomers of dianeackerone. 

Throughout history, mankind has always been interested in naturally occurring compounds from prebiotic, microbial, plants and animals sources. Various extracts of flowers, plants and insects have been used for isolating compounds whose task, color and odor could be used for various purposes. Many natural products, such as plant hormones, have a regulatory role, while others function as chemical defense against pests. The role of certain compounds is to act as chemical messengers, such as sex-attractants (pheromones) in insects, terrestrial and marine animals and humans. What is the origin of natural products ... 

Species-specificity of chemicals and their role in reproductive isolation While there are general patterns in the chemical communication systems, there also seem to be species-specific differences. Some amphipod species appear unable to distinguish between mates and individuals of closely related species (Kolding 1986). Also in some isopod species, males pair with females from closely related species (e.g., Hargeby and Erlandsson 2006), which suggests that mate recognition via chemical cues is not (yet) fully developed. Possibly, selection on contact pheromones has been weak, because other life-history traits ensure reproductive isolation under natural conditions (e.g., size, habitat preference). 

The onset of puberty is such an important event in the life history of an animal that several regulating mechanisms have evolved to ensure its occurrence at the most propitious time for a specific individual in its specific environment. Photoperiod and nutrition are well known physical factors in the environment that regulate puberty. Social stimuli, particularly pheromones, have joined the list of factors regulating puberty and it seems that, among the pheromonal stimuli, inhibition plays the most important role in a natural setting. Perhaps the more conservative approach, to slow something down, is the most successful strategy. 

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