Phenolic compounds in Neanura muscorum (Collembola, Neanuridae) and the role of 1,3-dimethoxybenzene as an alarm substance

Among other volatiles, four aromatic substances were identified in whole bo dy samples of the collembolan Neanura muscorum: 2,4-dimethoxyaniline, 1,3-d imethoxybenzene, phenol and 2-aminophenol. The major compounds I,3-dimethox ybenzene and 2,4-dimethoxyaniline are also present in the hemolymph and the eggs. The compounds were quantified by gas chromatographic methods. Synthe tic substances, as well as crushed conspecifics, were used to examine the b ehaviour of N. muscorum in bioassays. 1,3-dimethoxybenzene apparently serve s as an intraspecific alarm substance.