Phyllotreta armoraciae (IMAGE)

Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology

Phyllotreta armoraciae

Caption

The horseradish flea beetle Phyllotreta armoraciae is capable of accumulating large amounts of mustard oil glucosides (glucosinolates) in its body, making itself unpalatable to predators. Glucosinolates are defense substances of mustard, rapeseed, horseradish and other plants of the cabbage family. Crucial to the sequestration of glucosinolates in the beetle are special transporters localized in the excretory organ. These transporters prevent glucosinolates that have been absorbed into the body from being excreted.

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Anna Schroll

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