ACID HYDROLYZED L-TRYPTOPHAN AND ITS ROLE IN THE ATTRACTION OF THE GREEN LACEWING CHRYSOPERLA-CARNEA (STEPHENS) (NEUROPT., CHRYSOPIDAE)

The solubility of L-tryptophan was significantly greater in 2 M hydroc hloric acid than in water. In acidic solution, L-tryptophan formed the hydrochloride salt (C11H12N2O2 . HCl) with no evidence of further rea ction or decomposition occurring. The hydrochloride salt was seen to b e readily soluble in water. Solutions containing L-tryptophan in hydro chloric acid have been shown to be attractive to adult green lacewings (Chrysoperla carnea). Previously it has been believed that acid hydro lysis of L-tryptophan breaks the amino acid doen into various compound s which are attractive in the field to green lacewing adults. This pap er demonstrates that new explanations for the attractivity of these so lutions are required.