BIOGENIC-AMINES IN THE 2-SPOTTED SPIDER-MITE

Whole body extracts of the two-sported spider mite (Tetranychus urtica e Koch) were analyzed using a 16-channel electrochemical array high pe rformance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-based detection system that all ows the simultaneous isolation and identification of a variety of biog enic amines. The spider mite extracts were found to contain the biogen ic amines octopamine, dopamine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), as wel l as several precursors and metabolites including tyrosine, tyramine, tryptophan, and N-acetyl octopamine. Differences in the levels of biog enic amines were observed between eggs and the adult stages and betwee n males and females. This is the first direct determination of biogeni c amines in the Tetranychidae and the first demonstration of 5-HT in a ny mite species. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.