Defensive Secretions in Callipodella fasciata (LATZEL, 1882; Diplopoda, Callipodida, Schizopetalidae)

Abstract

The small millipede Callipodella fasciata secretes an earthy smell when disturbed. This secretion was obtained by CH2Cl2 extraction from specimens of both sexes and was identified by GC/MS analyses to be composed of p-cresol (96.5%), phenol (3.5%), and p-ethylphenol (traces). This is the first identification of these compounds in an epigean European callipodidan species and the first report of intergeneric differences in the chemical composition of defensive secretions in callipodidans. These compounds have repellent, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties.