Necrodols: Anti-insectan terpenes from defensive secretion of carrion beetle (Necrodes surinamensis).

Two compounds recently isolated from the defensive gland ofNecrodes surinamensis, α-and β-necrodol, first representatives of a new category of monoterpenes (the necrodanes), are shown to be repellent to ants and other insects and irritating to cockroaches and flies. The compounds doubtless play a defensive role inNecrodes. The possible long-range applied significance of research on insect repellents is discussed.