Occurrence of cyclopropane fatty acids in females and eggs of the millipede Graphidostreptus tumuliporus (Karsch) (Myriapoda: Diplopoda), as contrasted with their absence in the males

Abstract

1. 1. The distribution of cyclopropane fatty acids in the lipids of males, females and eggs of the millipede Graphidostreptus tumuliporus is investigated.

2. 2. Cyclopropane fatty acids account for 25 per cent of the total fatty acids in the female animals (without eggs), and for as much as 35 per cent in the eggs, whilst in the males the presence of these fatty acids could not be detected.

3. 3. In contrast to nearly all bacteria, protozoa and plants cyclopropane fatty acids occur in this millipede not only in the phospholipids but also in the neutral lipids.

4. 4. Some aspects of the structure, metabolism and function of cyclopropane fatty acids in Graphidostreptus are discussed.