Sex Pheromone Components of Indian Gypsy Moth, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lymantria obfuscata</Emphasis>

The Indian gypsy moth, Lymantria obfuscata (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), has been recognized as a distinct species since 1865 but closely resembles a diminutive form of gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar. We tested the hypothesis that the sex pheromones of L. obfuscata and L. dispar are similar. In laboratory mate acceptance studies, very few male L. dispar made copulatory attempts when paired with female L. obfuscata, suggesting that female L. obfuscata emit one or more pheromone components antagonistic to male L. dispar. In coupled gas chromatographic–electroantennographic detection (GC–EAD) analyses of pheromone gland extract of female L. obfuscata, (Z)-2-methyloctadec-7-ene (2Me-7Z-18Hy) and (7R,8S)-cis-7,8-epoxy-2-methyloctadecane [(+)-disparlure] were most abundant and elicited the strongest responses from male L. obfuscata antennae. In field experiments near Solan (Himachal Pradesh, India), 2Me-7Z-18Hy and (+)-disparlure in combination attracted more male L. obfuscata than did either component alone. This two-component sex pheromone contrasts with the single-component sex pheromone [(+)-disparlure] of L. dispar. The contrasting composition of the lymantriid communities inhabited by L. obfuscata and L. dispar may explain why 2Me-7Z-18Hy is a pheromone component in L. obfuscata and a pheromone antagonist in L. dispar and why (−)-disparlure reduces pheromonal attraction of male L. dispar but not male L. obfuscata.     

New Pheromone Components of the Grapevine Moth <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lobesia botrana</Emphasis>

Analysis of extracts of sex pheromone glands of grapevine moth females Lobesia botrana showed three previously unidentified compounds, (E)-7-dodecenyl acetate and the (E,E)- and (Z,E)-isomers of 7,9,11-dodecatrienyl acetate. This is the first account of a triply unsaturated pheromone component in a tortricid moth. The monoenic acetate (E)-7-dodecenyl acetate and the trienic acetate (7Z,9E,11)-dodecatrienyl acetate significantly enhanced responses of males to the main pheromone compound, (7E,9Z)-7,9-dodecadienyl acetate, in the wind tunnel. The identification of sex pheromone synergists in L. botrana may be of practical importance for the development of integrated pest management systems. Electronic supplementary material Supplementary material to this paper is available in electronic form at and accessible for authorised users.     

Identification of a Novel Moth Sex Pheromone Component from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chilecomadia valdiviana</Emphasis>

Chilecomadia valdiviana (Philippi) (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) is an insect native to Chile. The larval stages feed on the wood of economically important fruit tree species such as apple, pear, olive, cherry, and avocado, and also on eucalyptus. This causes weakening and, in case of severe infestation, death of the tree. We report identification of the sex pheromone produced by females of this species. Hexane extracts of the abdominal glands of virgin females were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) with electroantennographic detection, GC coupled with mass spectrometry, and GC coupled to infrared spectroscopy. The major pheromone component was identified as (7Z,10Z)-7,10-hexadecadienal (Z7,Z10–16:Ald), and minor components present in the extracts were (Z)-7-hexadecenal and (Z)-9-hexadecenal, hexadecanal, and (9Z,12Z)-9,12-octadecadienal. Structural assignments were carried out by comparison of analytical data of the natural products and their dimethyl disulfide adducts with those of authentic reference samples. In field tests, traps baited with Z7,Z10–16:Ald captured significantly more males than control traps.     

(1<Emphasis Type="Italic">S</Emphasis>,3<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>)-<Emphasis Type="Italic">cis</Emphasis>-Chrysanthemyl Tiglate: Sex Pheromone of the Striped Mealybug, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ferrisia virgata</Emphasis>

Derivatives of 2,2-dimethyl-3-(2-methylprop-1-enyl)cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (chrysanthemic acid) are classic natural pyrethroids discovered in pyrethrum plants and show insecticidal activity. Chrysanthemic acid, with two asymmetric carbons, has four possible stereoisomers, and most natural pyrethroids have the (1R,3R)-trans configuration. Interestingly, chrysanthemic acid–related structures are also found in insect sex pheromones; carboxylic esters of (1R,3R)-trans-(2,2-dimethyl-3-(2-methylprop-1-enyl)cyclopropyl)methanol (chrysanthemyl alcohol) have been reported from two mealybug species. In the present study, another ester of chrysanthemyl alcohol was discovered from the striped mealybug, Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell), as its pheromone. By means of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, and high-performance liquid chromatography analyses using a chiral stationary phase column and authentic standards, the pheromone was identified as (1S,3R)-(?)-cis-chrysanthemyl tiglate. The (1S,3R)-enantiomer strongly attracted adult males in a greenhouse trapping bioassay, whereas the other enantiomers showed only weak activity. The cis configuration of the chrysanthemic acid–related structure appears to be relatively scarce in nature, and this is the first example reported from arthropods.     

Identification of the Larval Aggregation Pheromone of Codling Moth, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cydia pomonella</Emphasis>

Mature larvae of the codling moth, Cydia pomonella L. (Lepidoptera: Olethreutidae), exit the fruit and seek sites suitable for pupation. Spinning cocoons in such sites, larvae produce a complex, cocoon-derived blend of volatiles recently shown to attract and/or arrest both conspecific larvae and the prepupal parasitoid Mastrus ridibundus Gravenhorst (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). Here we report components of this blend that constitute the pheromone of fifth-instar C. pomonella larvae. Thirty-one two-choice olfactometer experiments showed that a blend of synthetic (E)-2-octenal, (E)-2-nonenal, sulcatone, and geranylacetone, in combination with either 3-carene and/or three saturated aldehydes (octanal, nonanal, decanal), elicited behavioral responses from C. pomonella larvae. In on-tree experiments with corrugated cardboard bands as pupation sites for larvae affixed to tree trunks, and with laboratory-reared larvae released onto such trees, more larvae cocooned in those halves of cardboard bands baited with cocoon-spinning conspecific larvae, or with synthetic pheromone components, than in unbaited control halves of the bands. With the larval aggregation pheromone identified in this study, there might be an opportunity to manipulate C. pomonella larvae in commercial fruit or nut orchards.     

New Sex Pheromone Blend for the Lightbrown Apple Moth, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Epiphyas postvittana</Emphasis>

The composition of the sex pheromone gland of the lightbrown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana (Walker) was re-investigated. In addition to the two previously identified compounds, (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (E11-14Ac) and (E,E)-9,11-tetradecadienyl acetate (E9E11-14Ac), seven additional candidate pheromone compounds were identified: (E)-11-tetradecen-1-ol (E11-14OH), tetradecyl acetate, hexadecanal, (E)-11-hexadecenyl acetate (E11-16Ac), hexadecyl acetate, octadecanal, and octadecyl acetate. Gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection analysis showed that only four (of the nine) compounds (E11-14OH, E11-14Ac, E9E11-14Ac, and E11-16Ac) elicited electrophysiological responses. When either E11-14OH or E11-16Ac were tested at various ratios in three-component blends with both E11-14Ac and E9E11-14Ac, no increase in trap catch was observed compared to that to the previously identified binary blend. However, when these two compounds (1% E11-14OH and 0.5% E11-16Ac) were both added to E11-14Ac and E9E11-14Ac, trap catch was roughly double that to the previously identified binary blend alone. The new four-component blend should be more sensitive for detecting this economically important insect, especially in low population areas (i.e., in newly invaded habitats). In addition, this new blend may enhance pheromone control of this pest, through approaches such as mating disruption, lure and kill, and mass trapping.     

(<Emphasis Type="Italic">Z</Emphasis>)-Pentacos-12-ene,an Oviposition-deterring Pheromone of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cheilomenes sexmaculata</Emphasis>

Larvae of the coccinellid beetle Cheilomenes sexmaculata (F.) produce an oviposition-deterring pheromone that inhibits egg laying of conspecific females on oviposition sites walked over by first-instar larvae. By use of bioassay-guided fractionation of larval extracts, (Z)-pentacos-12-ene was identified as an active component of the cuticular hydrocarbons of the larvae. Other compounds that occur in the active fractions, such as the alkaloid coccinelline and saturated hydrocarbons, were individually tested but proved to be inactive. The synthesis of (Z)-pentacos-12-ene is reported.     

Biosynthesis of (3<Emphasis Type="Italic">Z</Emphasis>,6<Emphasis Type="Italic">Z</Emphasis>,9<Emphasis Type="Italic">Z</Emphasis>)-3,6,9-Octadecatriene: The Main Component of the Pheromone Blend of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Erannis bajaria</Emphasis>

The hydrocarbons (3Z,6Z,9Z)-3,6,9-octadecatriene (3Z,6Z,9Z-18:H) and (3Z,6Z,9Z)-3,6,9-nonadecatriene (3Z,6Z,9Z-19:H) constitute the pheromone of the winter moth, Erannis bajaria. These compounds belong to a large group of lepidopteran pheromones which consist of unsaturated hydrocarbons and their corresponding oxygenated derivatives. The biosynthesis of such hydrocarbons with an odd number of carbons in the chain is well understood. In contrast, knowledge about the biosynthesis of even numbered derivatives is lacking. We investigated the biosynthesis of 3Z,6Z,9Z-18:H by applying deuterium-labeled precursors to females of E. bajaria followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of extracts of the pheromone gland. A mixture of deuterium-labeled [17,17,18,18-²H₄]-3Z,6Z,9Z-18:H and the unlabeled 3Z,6Z,9Z-18:H was obtained after topical application and injection of (10Z,13Z,16Z)-[2,2,3,3-²H₄]-10,13,16-nonadecatrienoic acid ([2,2,3,3-²H₄]-10Z,13Z,16Z-19:acid) or (11Z,14Z,17Z)-[3,3,4,4-²H₄]-11,14,17-icosatrienoic acid ([3,3,4,4-²H₄]-11Z,14Z,17Z-20:acid). These results are consistent with a biosynthetic pathway that starts with α-linolenic acid (9Z,12Z,15Z-18:acid). Chain elongation leads to 11Z,14Z,17Z-20:acid, which is shortened by α-oxidation as the key step to yield 10Z,13Z,16Z-19:acid. This acid can be finally reduced to an aldehyde and decarbonylated or decarboxylated to furnish the pheromone component 3Z,6Z,9Z-18:H. A similar transformation of 11Z,14Z,17Z-20:acid yields the second pheromone component, 3Z,6Z,9Z-19:H.     

(<Emphasis Type="Italic">Z,Z</Emphasis>)-6,9-Heneicosadien-11-One: Major Sex Pheromone Component Of Painted Apple Moth, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Teia anartoides</Emphasis>

(Z, Z)-6,9-Heneicosadien-11-one (Z6Z9-11-one-21Hy) was identified as the major sex pheromone component of the painted apple moth (PAM), Teia anartoides (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), on the basis of (1) comparative gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) analyses, GC-mass spectrometry (MS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-MS, and HPLC-UV/visible spectroscopy of pheromone gland extracts and authentic standards; (2) GC-EAD analyses of effluvia of calling females; and (3) wind tunnel and field trapping experiments with a synthetic standard. In field experiments in Australia, synthetic Z6Z9-11-one-21Hy as a single component attracted male moths. Wind tunnel experiments suggested that a 4-component blend consisting of Z6Z9-11-one-21Hy, (6Z,9R,10S)-cis-9,10-epoxy-heneicosene (Z6-9R10S-epo-21Hy), (E, E)-7,9-heneicosadien-6,11-dione (E7E9-6,11-dione-21Hy), and 6-hydroxy-(E, E)-7,9-heneicosadien-11-one (E7E9-6-ol-11-one-21Hy) (all present in pheromone gland extracts) might induce more males to orient toward, approach, and contact the source than did Z6Z9-11-one-21Hy as a single component. Additional experiments are needed to determine conclusively whether or not Z6-9R10S-epo-21Hy, E7E9-6,11-dione-21Hy, and E7E9-6-ol-11-one-21Hy might be minor sex pheromone components of PAM. Moreover, attractiveness of synthetic pheromone and virgin PAM females needs to be compared to determine whether synthetic pheromone could replace PAM females as trap baits in the program to monitor eradication of exotic PAM in New Zealand.     

Sex Attractant Pheromone of the Luna Moth, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Actias luna</Emphasis> (Linnaeus)

Giant silk moths (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) typically are not well represented as larvae or adults in community level inventories of Lepidoptera, and as a result, little is known about their population dynamics. Furthermore, in recent years, many species of silk moths appear to have experienced population declines. Volatile sex pheromones are powerful sampling tools that can be used in operational conservation and monitoring programs for insects. Here, we describe the identification of the sex attractant pheromone of a giant silk moth, the luna moth Actias luna. Coupled gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analyses of extracts from pheromone glands of female luna moths supported the identification of (6E,11Z)-6,11-octadecadienal (E6,Z11–18:Ald), (6E)-6-octadecenal (E6–18:Ald), and (11Z)-11-octadecenal (Z11–18:Ald) as the compounds in extracts that elicited responses from antennae of male moths. These identifications were confirmed by synthesis, followed by testing of blends of the synthetic compounds in field trials in Ontario, Canada, and Kentucky, USA. Male moths were attracted to synthetic E6,Z11–18:Ald as a single component. Attraction appeared to be enhanced by addition of E6–18:Ald but not Z11–18:Ald, suggesting that the luna moth pheromone consists of a blend of E6,Z11–18:Ald and E6–18:Ald.     

Female Sex Pheromone of the Gelechiid Moth <Emphasis Type="Italic">Scrobipalpa salinella</Emphasis> (Zeller)

The sex pheromone system of Scrobipalpa salinella (Zeller), an important pest of the halophyte Salicornia europaea in the tidal salt marshes, was studied. Z3-12:OAc and Z5-12:OAc were identified from both female pheromone glands and female emissions, but in quite different ratios. Field trapping tests demonstrated that Z3-12:OAc and Z5-12:OAc are essential for optimal attraction of male moths, and a 100:5 blend found in gland extracts is significantly more attractive to males than a 100:50 ratio similar to that found in SPME samples. Small amounts of E3-12:OAc and Z5-14:OAc also were present in pheromone gland extracts. A blend of E3-12:OAc with Z3-12:OAc attracted a few males, but was not as attractive as the binary blend of Z3-12:OAc and Z5-12:OAc. Moreover, addition of E3-12:OAc did not affect captures of males to the primary binary blend. Another glandular component, Z5-14:OAc, had no behavioral activity in field bioassays. Therefore, a synthetic mixture of Z3-12:OAc and Z5-12:OAc in a 100:5 ratio can be used as an effective tool for monitoring and control of this species.     

Comparison of Postprandial Oleic Acid, 9<Emphasis Type="Italic">c,</Emphasis>11<Emphasis Type="Italic">t</Emphasis> CLA and 10<Emphasis Type="Italic">t,</Emphasis>12<Emphasis Type="Italic">c</Emphasis> CLA Oxidation in Healthy Moderately Overweight Subjects

Few studies report the individual effect of 9c,11t- and 10t,12c-CLA on human energy metabolism. We compared the postprandial oxidative metabolism of 9c,11t- and 10t,12c-CLA and oleic acid (9c-18:1) in 22 healthy moderately overweight volunteers. After 24 weeks supplementation with 9c,11t-, 10t,12c-CLA or 9c-18:1 (3 g/day), subjects consumed a single oral bolus of the appropriate [1-¹³C]-labeled fatty acid. 8 h post-dose, cumulative oxidation was similar for 9c-18:1 and 10t,12c (P = 0.66), but significantly higher for 9c,11t (P < 0.01).     

(7<Emphasis Type="Italic">Z</Emphasis>,9<Emphasis Type="Italic">E</Emphasis>)-2-Methyl-7,9-Octadecadiene: A Sex Pheromone Component of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lymantria Bantaizana</Emphasis>

Our objective was to identify the sex pheromone of Lymantria bantaizana (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) whose larvae feed exclusively on walnut, Juglans spp., in China, and Japan. Coupled gas chromatographic–electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) analyses of pheromone gland extracts revealed a single EAD-active component. Retention index calculations of this compound on four GC columns suggested that it was a methyl-branched octadecadiene with conjugated double bonds. In GC-EAD analyses of 2-methyloctadecenes, (Z)-2-methyl-7-octadecene and (E)-2-methyl-7-octadecene elicited the strongest antennal responses, suggesting that the double bond positions were at C7 and C9. In comparative GC-EAD analyses of pheromone gland extract and stereoselectively synthesized isomers (E,E; E,Z; Z,E; Z,Z) of 2-methyl-7,9-octadecadiene, the (E,Z)- and (Z,E)-isomer had retention times identical to that of the candidate pheromone, but only the latter isomer elicited strong EAD activity. Results of field experiments in Japan substantiated that (7Z,9E)-2-methyl-7,9-octadecadiene is the L. bantaizana sex pheromone, a compound previously unknown in the Lepidoptera. Detection surveys in North America for exotic Eurasian forest defoliators could include traps baited with the L. bantaizana pheromone.     

Bidirectional Selection for Novel Pheromone Blend Ratios in the Almond Moth, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cadra cautella</Emphasis>

The sex pheromone of the almond moth, Cadra cautella, is a blend of (Z,E)-9,12-tetradecadienyl acetate (Z9,E12–14:Ac, the major component capable of inducing attraction alone) and (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z9–14:Ac, the minor component, which is unattractive alone but augments attraction of the major component). In this study, the ratio of the two components responded to artificial directional selection in five of six selected lines, whereas no change was observed in the three control lines. The mean ratio (±SE) of Z9,E12–14:Ac to Z9–14:Ac went from 13.72 ± 1.02:1 to 20.13 ± 0.68:1 in high line 1, an increase of 47%. In the second high-selected line, the mean ratio (±SE) increased from 9.87 ± 0.54:1 to 15.89 ± 0.85:1, an increase of 61%. In low line 1, the mean ratio (±SE) in the parental generation was 10.74 ± 0.78:1 and 7.35 ± 0.41:1 in the last selected generation, a decrease of 32%. The response to selection was greater in low line 2, as the mean ratio (±SE) decreased from 10.11 ± 0.66:1 to 5.65 ± 0.55:1 in the last generation, a decrease of 44%. In low line 3, the mean ratio (±SE) in the parental generation was 13.63 ± 0.82:1 and 6.47 ± 0.26:1 in the last generation, a decrease of 53%. The response to selection was approximately symmetrical with a mean increase of 54% and a mean decrease of 43%. The increases in ratio observed in the high lines were caused by an increase in the titer of the Z9,E12–14:Ac component with no concurrent change in the titer of the component Z9–14:Ac. Among the low selected lines, the titers of both components increased; however, there was a greater relative increase in the titer of the component Z9–14:Ac. The absolute and relative titers of the sex pheromone components had decreased significantly in the F10 generation in some of the selected lines, five generations after the discontinuation of selection.     

Sex Pheromone Components of the Pear Fruit Moth, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acrobasis pyrivorella</Emphasis> (Matsumura)

We analyzed the sex pheromone of the pear fruit moth, Acrobasis pyrivorella, by means of gas chromatography–electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) and GC–mass spectrometry. Two EAD-active compounds were detected in the pheromone gland extract of females. They were identified as (Z)-9-pentadecenyl acetate (Z9-15:OAc) and pentadecyl acetate (15:OAc). The amounts per female gland (mean ± standard error) of these compounds were 12.9 ± 2.8 and 0.8 ± 0.1 ng, respectively. Synthetic Z9-15:OAc (300 μg) attracted conspecific males in field trapping experiments. When 15:OAc (21 μg; 7% of Z9-15:OAc quantity) was added, the number of males trapped increased significantly. Catch in traps baited with the mixture of these compounds was greater than that in traps baited with 1–3-day-old virgin females. We, therefore, conclude that Z9-15:OAc and 15:OAc are sex pheromone components of this species.     

Yellow-Cedar, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Callitropsis</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Chamaecyparis</Emphasis>) <Emphasis Type="Italic">nootkatensis</Emphasis>, Secondary Metabolites,Biological Activities,and Chemical Ecology

Yellow-cedar, Callitropsis nootkatensis, is prevalent in coastal forests of southeast Alaska, western Canada, and inland forests along the Cascades to northern California, USA. These trees have few microbial or animal pests, attributable in part to the distinct groups of biologically active secondary metabolites their tissues store for chemical defense. Here we summarize the new yellow-cedar compounds identified and their biological activities, plus new or expanded activities for tissues, extracts, essential oils and previously known compounds since the last review more than 40 years ago. Monoterpene hydrocarbons are the most abundant compounds in foliage, while heartwood contains substantial quantities of oxygenated monoterpenes and oxygenated sesquiterpenes, with one or more tropolones. Diterpenes occur in foliage and bark, whereas condensed tannins have been isolated from inner bark. Biological activities expressed by one or more compounds in these groups include fungicide, bactericide, sporicide, acaricide, insecticide, general cytotoxicity, antioxidant and human anticancer. The diversity of organisms impacted by whole tissues, essential oils, extracts, or individual compounds now encompasses ticks, fleas, termites, ants, mosquitoes, bacteria, a water mold, fungi and browsing animals. Nootkatone, is a heartwood component with sufficient activity against arthropods to warrant research focused toward potential development as a commercial repellent and biopesticide for ticks, mosquitoes and possibly other arthropods that vector human and animal pathogens.     

Oxidation kinetics for <Emphasis Type="Italic">cis</Emphasis>-9,<Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis>-11 and <Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis>-10,<Emphasis Type="Italic">cis</Emphasis>-12 isomers of CLA

The autoxidation processes of the cis-9,trans-11 (c9,t11) and trans-10,cis-12 (t10,c12) isomers of CLA were separately observed at ca. 0% RH and different temperatures. The t10,c12 CLA oxidized faster than the c9,t11 isomer at all tested temperatures. The first half of the oxidation process of t10,c12 CLA obeyed an autocatalytic-type rate expression, but the latter half followed first-order kinetics. On the other hand, the entire oxidation process of c9,t11 CLA could be expressed by the autocatalytic-type rate expression. The apparent activation energies and frequency factors for the autoxidation of the isomers were estimated from the rate constants obtained at various temperatures based on the Arrhenius equation. The apparent activation energies for the CLA isomers were greater than those for the nonconjugated n−6 and n−3 PUFA or their esters. However, the enthalpyentropy compensation held during the autoxidation of both the CLA and PUFA. This suggested that the autoxidation mechanisms for the CLA and PUFA were essentially the same.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-Pentacosane Acts as both Contact and Volatile Pheromone in the tea Weevil, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Myllocerinus aurolineatus</Emphasis>

Insect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) play important roles in chemical communication, as well as having ecological and physiological roles. The use of CHCs for mate recognition has been shown in many insect genera, but little is known about their use in the tea weevil Myllocerinus aurolineatus. Here, we provide evidence that CHCs on the surface of sexually mature M. aurolineatus females act as contact sex pheromones, facilitating mate recognition and eliciting copulatory behavior in male weevils. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, we identify n-pentacosane and n-heptacosane as two potential contact pheromone components. Results from arena bioassays showed that n-pentacosane is a component of a contact pheromone of M. aurolineatus. Further results from the Y-tube olfactometer bioassays showed that n-pentacosane also acts as a volatile attractant. Our results greatly improve our understanding of the chemical ecology of M. aurolineatus.     

Sex Pheromone of the Scarab Beetle <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phyllophaga</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phytalus) georgiana</Emphasis> (Horn)

The sex pheromone of Phyllophaga (Phytalus) georgiana was characterized as valine methyl ester, tentatively the l-enantiomer. This is the first sex pheromone identified from the Phyllophaga subgenus Phytalus. The pheromone was extracted from female glands, the active component isolated by coupled gas chromatography–electroantennogram detection analysis, characterized by mass spectrometry, and shown to be active in field tests. The seasonal flight pattern was determined for P. georgiana as well as for three other species, P. anxia (both northern and southern genitalic forms), P. gracilis, and P. postrema. The latter three species were captured in traps baited with l-isoleucine methyl ester. Sridhar Polavarapu, deceased May 7, 2004. We dedicate this publication to our friend and colleague.     

Perception of Conspecific Female Pheromone Stimulates Female Calling in an Arctiid Moth, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Utetheisa ornatrix</Emphasis>

Perception of the female sex pheromone in Utetheisa ornatrix (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) is responsible for induction and adjustment of calling by females and the collective phenomenon termed “female pheromonal chorusing”. We found five olfactory-active compounds in the U. ornatrix female gland. When females were exposed to the entire pheromone or to two of its (synthetically prepared) components, (Z,Z,Z)-3,6,9-eicosatriene and (Z,Z,Z)-3,6,9-heneicosatriene, they were more likely to call during a given night, begin calling earlier, and briefly increase signal frequency with which they extrude their abdomen, an observable indication of calling in this species. Some females even initiated calling during photophase when exposed to the pheromone components. In general, female U. ornatrix are more sensitive to the complete blend of pheromone than to its individual compounds. We also tested the hypotheses: 1) that abdominal extrusion per se increases the rate of pheromone release; and 2) that greater abdominal pumping rhythm increases pheromone release rate. Contrary to our expectations: 1) females did not respond more strongly to a pulsed pheromone stimulus than to the constant release of pheromone at the same average release rate; and 2) we did not find a relationship between the frequency of abdominal pumping and pheromone release rate. Possible explanations for these unexpected findings are discussed.