Colouring matters of the Aphididae. Part XXXIII. Dactynaphins

Abstract

Aphids of several Dactynotus species contain a distinct group of pigments termed dactynaphins. Like the aphins, these substances occur in living insects as glycosides. Following the insects' death, they are enzymically converted into a mixture of red and yellow aglycones consisting chiefly of the isomeric, interconvertible rhodo- and xantho-dactynaphins-jc-1, C₃₀H₂₈O₁₂. Smaller quantities of a similar pair of isomers, rhodo- and xantho-dactynaphins-jc-2, C₃₀H₂₈O₁₁, are also present. Preliminary investigation shows these compounds to be structurally related to the aphins.