The biological roles of pyrazines: evidence for a warning odour function

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.1987.tb01984.x
• Publication Date: 2008-01-14T16:48:07Z
• Authors: TIM GUILFORD; CHRISTINE NICOL; MIRIAM ROTHSCHILD; BARRY P. MOORE
• Keywords: Aposematism; Hatchling

Recently it has been shown that pyrazines are associated with many aposematic, chemically defended insects. We have demonstrated naive hatchling chicks, when offered drinking water to which 2-methoxy-3-isobutylpyrazine is added, develop a neophobic ‘alerting’ reaction. The birds not only capable of forming conditioned aversion the pyrazine paired quinine sulphate but they can also detect from distance probably by olfaction. This suggests birds, major group insect predators, interpret as alerting or warning signals. relationship other signals, and their evocative qualities discussed.