L-Canavanine, a Dietary Nitrogen Source for the Seed Predator Caryedes brasiliensis (Bruchidae)

Abstract

Larvae of the bruchid beetle Caryedes brasiliensis (Bruchidae) develop entirely within the seed of the neotropical legume DiocIea megacarpa. The seed contains an appreciable concentration of L-canavanine, a potent arttimetabolite and structural analog of L-arginine. Tnis bruchid beetle uses the nitrogen stored iii this toxic allelochemical as an effective dietary nitrogen source for amino acid biosynthesis.