Sex pheromone catabolism in the redbanded leafroller moth

Tritium-labeled components of the red-banded leaf-roller female sex pheromone, (Z)- and (E)-[11,12-³H₂]-11-tetradecenyl acetate (57 Ci/mmol), applied to antennae of males and females were degraded causing formation of tritiated 11-tetradecenol, 11-tetradecenoic acid, and water. Results indicate that the catabolic pathway involves acetate hydrolysis, oxidation of alcohol to fatty acid, and degradation of the acid via-oxidation. Both geometric isomers were degraded equally well by males but degradation proceeded comparatively less rapidly with female antennae. It is surmised that under natural conditions of olfactory sensing, sex pheromone impinging upon the moth's antennae is probably subject to a similar catabolic fate.