Identification of secretory compounds from the millipede, Oxidus gracilis C. L. Koch (Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae) and their variation in different habitats

Abstract

Six compounds were identified from the millipede Oxidus gracilis (C. L. Koch). They were benzaldehyde, mandelonitrile, phenol, p-cresol, benzaldehyde dimethyl acetal, and creosol (2-methoxy-4-methyl phenol). Except for benzaldehyde, all were detected for the first time from this millipede. Mandelonitrile was the major component of the six compounds. The others were trace constituents and significantly varied in quantity depending on the site of collection, suggesting an influence of environmental factors on their production.