Female Sex Pheromone Polymorphism in Adzuki Bean Borer, Ostrinia scapulalis, Is Similar to That in European Corn Borer, O. nubilalis

Individual analysis of the female sex pheromone of the adzuki bean borer, Ostrinia scapulalis, has shown that the sex pheromone of this species comprised (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (E11–14:OAc) and (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (Z11–14:OAc) at variable blend ratios. The pheromone blend could be tentatively categorized into three types with respect to the proportion of E11–14:OAc: E type (94–100%, median 99.2%), Z type (0–16%, median 3.0%), and intermediate type (I type, 48–85%, median 63.7%). In addition to the identity of components, the blend ratios in the three types were similar to those of the E strain, Z strain, and hybrid of the European corn borer, O. nubilalis, respectively. This finding suggests that two closely related but morphologically distinct species, O. scapulalis and O. nubilalis, share almost the same sex pheromone communication systems. The significance of this similarity in the two sibling species is discussed.     

Structure-activity relationships among aromatic analogs of trail-following pheromone of subterranean termites

A series of 12 substituted (Z)-4-phenyl-3-buten-l-ol (PBO) derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for trail-following activity in five species of subterranean termites in the generaCoptotermes, Prorhinotermes, Reticulitermes, andSchedorhinotermes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). The unsubstituted parent PBO was the most active for all species, and electron-withdrawing and electron-donating groups both reduced potency. Sensitivity to substitution in the ortho position suggests steric inhibition of binding by the 2-substituted analogs. Different sensitivities to these pheromone analogs were found among the five species, withR.flavipes andS. lamanianus showing the highest level of trail-following activity for the PBO analogs.Fellow of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation (1981–85) and Camille and Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar (1981–86).     

Sex pheromone components of the buck moth Hemileuca maia

The sex attractant pheromone blend of Hemileuca maia (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) from the vicinity of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been identified. The major component of the blend is (E10,Z12)-hexadeca-10,12-dienal (E10,Z12–16:Ald), in combination with the minor components (E10,Z12)-hexadeca-10,12-dien-1-ol (E10,Z12–16:OH), and (E10,Z12)-hexadeca-10,12-dien-1-yl acetate (E10,Z12–16:Ac). Ratios of the compounds in extracts of female pheromone glands varied around a mean of 100:7.4:6.3. None of the three components were attractive to male moths when tested as single components. Several other compounds were tentatively identified from female pheromone gland extracts, including E10,E12–16:Ald, E10,E12–16:OH, and E10,E12–16:Ac, but addition of these components, either alone or in combination, at biologically relevant rates, did not significantly increase the attractiveness of lures. The saturated analogs, hexadecanal, hexadecanol, and hexadecyl acetate, also were identified in gland extracts, but had no apparent effect as pheromone components.     

Sex pheromone of tomato fruit borer, Neoleucinodes elegantalis

Five candidate pheromone components were identified by analyzing pheromone gland extracts by gas chromatography (GC), coupled GC-electroantennographic detection (EAD), and coupled GC-mass spectrometry (MS): (E)-11-hexadecenol(E11–16 : OH), (Z)-11-hexadecenol (Z11–16 : OH),(E)-11-hexadecenal, (E)-11-hexadecenyl acetate, and (Z)-3,(Z)-6,(Z)-9-tricosatriene (Z3,Z6,Z9–23 : Hy). In electroantennogram (EAG) recordings, synthetic E11–16 : OH elicited stronger antennal responses at low doses than other candidate pheromone components. Field tests demonstrated that synthetic E11–16 : OH as a trap bait was effective in attracting males, whereas addition of Z11–16 : OH inhibited the males' response. Z3,Z6,Z9–23 : Hy strongly enhanced attractiveness of E11–16 : OH, but was not attractive by itself. A pheromone blend with synergistic behavioral activity of an alcohol (E11–16 : OH) and hydrocarbon (Z3,Z6,Z9–23 : Hy) component is most unusual in the Lepidoptera. The synthetic two-component pheromone is approximately 60 times more attractive than the female-produced blend and might facilitate the control of this pest.     

Identification and Field Evaluation of Components of Female Sex Pheromone of Millet Stem Borer, Coniesta ignefusalis

Five active compounds were detected during analyses of ovipositor washings and effluvia from virgin female Coniesta ignefusalis moths by gas chromatography (GC) linked to electroantennographic (EAG) recording from a male moth. These were identified as (Z)-7-dodecen-1-ol (Z7–12:OH), (Z)-5-decen-1-ol (Z5–10:OH), (Z)-7-dodecenal (Z7–12:Ald), (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate (Z7–12:Ac), and (Z)-9-tetradecen-1-ol (Z9–14:OH) by comparison of their GC retention times, mass spectra, and EAG activities with those of synthetic standards. Laboratory tests of dispensers for these compounds showed that release rates from polyethylene vials increased to relatively uniform values after three to four days, but release from septa was very rapid and nonuniform and decreased to low levels after two to three days. Trapping tests in Niger showed that the major component, Z7–12:OH, and two of the minor components, Z5–10:OH and Z7–12:Ald, were essential for attraction of male C. ignefusalis moths. The most attractive blend contained these three components in a 100:5:3.3 ratio in a polyethylene vial, which emitted the components in similar proportions to those produced by the female C. ignefusalis moth. Water traps baited with this blend containing 1 mg of Z7–12:OH caught more male C. ignefusalis moths than traps baited with newly emerged female moths. Addition of up to 10% of the corresponding E isomers of the pheromone components had no effect on catches, but addition of the other two minor components detected, Z7–12:Ac and/or Z9–14:OH, to the attractive blend at naturally occurring levels caused significant reductions in trap catch.     

Geographic Variation in Sex Pheromone Blend of Hemileuca electra from Southern California

Differences were found in the pheromonally mediated mate location systems of two subspecies of Hemileuca electra, H. electra electra (Hee) and H. e. mojavensis (Hem), from southern California. Hem female pheromone gland extracts contained eight times as much (10E,12Z)-hexadeca-10,12-dienal (E10,Z12–16:Ald) and half as much hexadecyl acetate (16:Ac) as Hee extracts. Relative amounts of the other major component of the pheromone blends, (10E,12Z)-hexadeca-10,12-dien-1-ol (E10,Z12–16:OH) did not differ between the two subspecies. In coupled gas chromatography–electroantennogram studies, responses of male antennae to 1:1:1 mixtures of the three principal components (E10,Z12–16:Ac, E10,Z12–16:OH, E10,Z12–16:Ald) also differed, with Hem antennae producing significantly larger responses to E10,Z12–16:Ald and significantly smaller responses to 10E,12Z–16:Ac than Hee. In field trials, male Hem were attracted to Hem females in preference to Hee females. Males of a second species, H. burnsi, which is sympatric with Hem but not Hee, also were attracted to females of Hee transported to their range. Field tests of blends of synthesized pheromone components confirmed that male Hem preferred E10,Z12–16:Ald ratios of 10–100% of the major component, E10,Z12–16:Ac, whereas males of Hee and H. burnsi responded optimally to ratios of 0.3–1% E10,Z12–16:Ald to E10,Z12–16:Ac. 16:Ac added to lures increased attraction of Hee but not Hem males. The data presented are consistent with reproductive character displacement, whereby the Hem subspecies has modified its pheromone-based mating system to reduce interference from sympatric H. burnsi.     

Isolation,identification, and synthesis of sex pheromone components of female tea cluster caterpillar,Andraca bipunctata walker (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) in Taiwan

Octadecanal (18:Ald), (E)-11-octadecenal (E11–18:Ald), (E)-14-octadecenal (E14–18:Ald) and (E,E)-11,14-octadecadienal (E11,E14–18:Ald) were isolated and identified as major components from the pheromone glands of the tea cluster caterpillar,Andraca bipunctata, in Taiwan by analyzing the mass spectra of gland components and their DMDS adducts. GC retention times and mass spectra of the components were in agreement with those of authentic synthetic compounds. The average amount of 18:Ald,E11–18:Ald,E14–18:Ald andE11,E14–18:Ald per female gland (1 to 3 days old) was 121±76, 50±20, 187±75, and 237±110 ng, respectively, in a ratio of 20:8:31:41. SyntheticE11,E14–18:Ald caught more males than each of the other three components or blank control in field trapping tests.E11,E14–18:Ald is reported as an insect sex pheromone for the first time. Male antenna responded toE11,E14–18:Ald strongly in an EAG analysis. Furthermore, 4 hr after the injection of PBAN (pheromone biosynthetic activating neuropeptide) into decapitated female moths (2 days old), the percentage of theE11,E14–C18 Ald in the gland extract increased from 0% to 75.5%, which was also significantly more than that of unligated and uninjected control at 55.1%. All these data indicated thatE11,E14–18:Ald is the sex pheromone of theAndraca bipunctata in Taiwan.     

Sex Pheromone Components of Nettle Caterpillar, Setora nitens

Gas chromatographic–electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) analyses of pheromone gland extracts of female nettle caterpillars, Setora nitens, revealed four compounds that consistently elicited responses from male moth antennae. Retention indices on three fused silia columns (DB-5, DB-23, and DB-210) of two EAD-active compounds were almost identical to those of (E)-9-dodecenal (E9–12 : Ald) and (E)-9,11-dodecadienal (E9,11–12 : Ald), two pheromone components previously identified in congeneric Setothosea asigna. However, comparative GC, GC-EAD, and GC-mass spectrometry of extracted S. nitens compounds and authentic standards revealed that the candidate pheromone components were (Z)-9-dodecenal (Z9–12 : Ald) and (Z)-9,11-dodecadienal (Z9,11–12 : Ald). The two other EAD-active compounds in pheromone gland extracts proved to be the corresponding alcohols to these aldehydes. In field-trapping experiments in Tawau, Malaysia, synthetic Z9–12 : Ald and Z9,11–12 : Ald at a 1 : 1 ratio, but not singly, attracted male S. nitens. Attractiveness of these two aldehydes could not be enhanced through the addition of their corresponding alcohols. Whether these differences in pheromone biology and chemistry between S. nitens and S. asigna are sufficient to prevent cross-attraction of heterospecific males or whether nonpheromonal mechanisms are required to maintain reproductive isolation is currently being studied.     

Identification of Female Sex Pheromone of the Rice Leaf Bug, Trigonotylus caelestialium

The female sex pheromone of the rice leaf bug, Trigonotylus caelestialium, was analyzed by GC-EAD and GC-MS. Ten EAD active compounds—n-hexyl n-hexanoate, (E)-2-hexenyl n-hexanoate, n-hexyl (E)-2-hexenoate, n-octyl n-butyrate, n-octyl n-hexanoate, (E)-2-octenyl n-hexanoate, n-pentyl n-hexanoate, n-hexyl n-butyrate, (E)-2-hexenyl n-butyrate, and n-hexyl (E)-2-butenoate—were detected in the ratio of 1000:414–491:trace–5:5–11:55–71:50–63:trace–3:225:90:32 from female body extracts, and in the ratio of 1000:271–342:10–43:1–3:58–78:14–19:trace:178:36:26 from male body extracts. Field trapping tests with these synthetic compounds indicated that n-hexyl n-hexanoate, (E)-2-hexenyl n-hexanoate, and n-octyl n-butyrate are pheromone components, and mixtures in ratios of 1000:400–500:10–100 were more attractive to males. Doses ranging from 4.29 g to 14.3 g of the three-component mixture in the ratio of 1000:400:30 loaded into glass capillary tubes were most attractive to males.     

Specificity of male response to multicomponent pheromones in noctuid mothsTrichoplusia ni andPseudoplusia includens

The response of male cabbage looper (CL) and soybean iooper (SBL) moths was observed in the flight tunnel and measured in field tests to the six-component CL pheromone, the five-component SBL pheromone, and toZ7–12: OAc, the major component common to each pheromone. In both the flight tunnel and the field, male CL exhibited significantly greater levels of response to their six-component blend than toZ7–12: OAc alone. A low level of cross-attraction of male CL to the SBL pheromone was observed in both the flight tunnel and the field, but it was quantitatively and qualitatively similar to their response toZ7–12: OAc alone. Thus the minor components of the SBL blend did not appear to disrupt the flight behavior of male CL. With respect to SBL, in the flight tunnel males also exhibited a greater level of response to the five-component blend compared toZ7–12: OAc, but in the field their response was not significantly different to either treatment. There was also a low level of cross-attraction of male SBL to the CL blend, but this appeared to involve a significant arrestment effect on the upwind flight of males, as well as a difference in male sensitivity to the blend of components compared withZ7–12: OAc alone. The observed arrestment effect may have been due to male perception of one or more minor components of the CL pheromone. The results show that the multicomponent pheromones of these species function effectively as specific mating signals and that discrimination of odor quality by male moths can occur as the result of minor components affecting male sensitivity or their upwind flight response to the pheromone.     

Identification of female sex pheromone components of rice looper,Plusia festucae (L.), (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The rice looper,Plusia festucae, is a defoliator of the rice plant. Chromatographic behavior, chemical reactions, and GC-MS analyses of the female sex pheromone revealed that the main component was (Z)-5-dodecenyl acetate (Z5–12: OAc, component I). The GC-MS analysis also indicated that the pheromone gland extract included another three monounsaturated components, (Z)-5-dodecen-l-ol (Z5–12: OH, component II), (Z)-7-tetradecenyl acetate (Z7–14: OAc, component III), and (Z)-7-tetradecen-l-ol (Z7–14: OH, component IV) in the following ratio: I:II:III:IV=100:6:15:1. In a paddy field, the mixture of synthetic I, II, and III in a ratio of 100:6:15 showed stronger attractancy than the virgin female, while the role of IV was unknown.     

Field Tests of Synthetic Sex Pheromone of the Apple Leafminer Moth, Phyllonorycter ringoniella

The apple leafminer moth, Phyllonorycter ringoniella, is becoming a more serious insect pest on apple trees with four to five generations a year in Korea. In order to devise a forecasting method for more accurate estimation of their numbers and development timing, the sex attractant was studied. Various ratios, from 10:0 to 0:10, of the two components, (Z)-10-tetradecenyl acetate (Z10–14:Ac) and (E,Z)-4,10-tetradecadienyl acetate (E4,Z10–14:Ac), identified from the sex pheromone gland (Jung and Boo, 1997), were tested for attractivity in terms of behavioral response (taxis, approach, and landing) against P. ringoniella males in a wind tunnel. The lure with Z10–14:Ac/E4,Z10–14:Ac in a ratio of 4:6 elicited the highest response in two (taxis and approach) measurement categories. For eliciting landing behavior, the two blends of 5:5 and 4:6 were best. The single component, Z10–14:Ac, elicited taxis behavior, but a combination of two chemicals was needed for eliciting all three behaviors. In the field, male attraction to various lure mixtures in Pherocon IC traps was usually greater than attraction to virgin females. The best field activity was in the lure baited with a 4:6 ratio of Z10–14:Ac and E4,Z10–14:Ac. Similar results were obtained from tests conducted in a net house. This optimum ratio for attracting P. ringoniella males in Korea is different from those reported in Japan (10:3) or China (7:3 to 6:4). The isomer E10–14:Ac neither improved nor depressed the number of catches when added at up to 10% of the total mixture to lures of the two components in the 4:6 ratio. The attractivity of the lures increased with higher amounts of the pheromones, up to 10 g in the wind-tunnel experiment and 5 mg in the apple orchard. The number of males captured was not significantly different among traps installed at 0.3, 1.5, or 2 m above the ground, or among wing, delta, or water traps. A rubber septum dispenser impregnated with 1 mg of the 4:6 mixture maintained its field attractivity for up to eight weeks.     

Sex Pheromone of Nuttall's Sheep Moth, Hemileuca nuttalli, from the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California

The sex attractant pheromone blend of Hemileuca nuttalli (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) from the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California was determined to be a combination of E10,Z12-hexadeca-10,12-dien-1-yl acetate (E10,Z12–16:Ac) and E10,E12-hexadeca-10,12-dien-1-yl acetate (E10,E12–16:Ac). Ratios of the compounds in extracts of female pheromone glands varied around a mean of 100:48, although the ratio was not critical in field trials. Blends of synthetic E10,Z12–16:Ac and E10,E12–16:Ac in 100:50, 50:100, and 100:100 ratios attracted equal numbers of male moths. Field trials also indicated that E10,Z12–hexadeca-10,12-dien-1-ol (E10,Z12–16:OH) and E10,Z12-hexadeca-10,12-dienal (E10,Z12–16:Ald) were antagonistic at rates of 3.3% and 10%, respectively, of the E10,Z12–16:Ac, despite being found in female moth extracts. E10,E12–16:Ac, E10,Z12–16:OH, and E10,Z12–16:Ald all appear to have roles in maintenance of reproductive isolation between H. nuttalli and H. eglanterina.     

Comparative studies of female sex pheromone components and male response of the corn stalk borer Sesamia nonagrioides in three different populations

Studies to determine possible differences in the pheromone communication system of three different populations of the corn stalk borer Sesamia nonagrioides (Lef.) in France, Spain, and Greece were carried out. The two main pheromone components (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate (Z11–16:Ac) and (Z)-11-hexadecenol (Z11–16:OH), were detected in all analyses with very small differences in the three populations. Among the minor components, analyzed by GC-MS on concentrated gland extracts from French and Greek origin females, (Z)-11-hexadecenal (Z11–16:Ald) was detected in minor amounts. Wind-tunnel and field studies revealed similar a male response in the three populations to pheromone glands extracts and synthetic pheromone regardless of the female/male origin. The results do not support the assumption of the existence of different pheromone types of the corn stalk borer S. nonagrioides due to geographic isolation.     

Sex Attractant Pheromone of Saturniid Moth Coloradia velda

The female-produced sex attractant pheromone of Coloradia velda has been identified by a combination of analytical methods and field tests as a blend of (10E,12Z)-hexadecadien-1-yl acetate (10E,12Z–16:Ac), (10E,12E)-hexadecadien-1-yl acetate (10E,12E–16:Ac), and (10E,12Z)-hexadecadien-1-ol (10E,12Z–16:OH) in a 10:1:0.33 ratio, respectively. The corresponding aldehyde (10E,12Z–16:Ald) was also found in extracts of female pheromone glands, but in blends with 10E,12Z–16:Ac and 10E,12E–16:Ac at low doses did not significantly increase the attractiveness of baits to male moths.     

Sex Pheromone of Apple Blotch Leafminer, Phyllonorycter crataegella, and Its Effect on P. mespilella Pheromone Communication

(Z)-10,(Z)-12-Tetradecadienyl acetate (Z10,Z12–14:OAc) and (E)-10,(E)-12-tetradecadienyl acetate (E10,E12–14:OAc) are sex pheromone components of the apple blotch leafminer (ABLM), Phyllonorycter crataegella. Compounds extracted from female pheromone glands were identified by coupled gas chromatographic–electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) analyses, retention index calculations of EAD-active compounds, and by comparative GC-EAD analyses of female ABLM-produced and authentic (synthetic) compounds. In field experiments in apple Malus domestica orchards in Connecticut, Z10,Z12–14:OAc alone attracted ABLM males. Addition of E10,E12–14:OAc to Z10,Z12–14:OAc at 0.1:10 or 1:10 ratios enhanced attractiveness of the lure. Geometrical isomers Z10,E12- or E10,Z12–14:OAc at equivalent ratios were behaviorally benign and slightly inhibitory, respectively. In field experiments in British Columbia, Z10,Z12–14:OAc plus E10,E12–14:OAc did not attract Phyllonorycter moths, supporting the contention that ABLM is not present in the fruit growing regions of British Columbia. Z10,Z12–14:OAc added to P. mespilella pheromone, (E)-4,(E)-10-dodecadienyl acetate, strongly inhibited response by P. mespilella males. Recognition of the ABLM pheromone blend by allopatric P. mespilella males suggests a phylogenetic relationship and previous sympatry of these two Phyllonorycter spp. If pheromonal attraction of ABLM males were reciprocally inhibited by P. mespilella pheromone, a generic Phyllonorycter pheromone blend could be tested for pheromone-based mating disruption of the apple leaf-mining Phyllonorycter guild in North America.     

Olfactory Responses of Plutella xylostella Natural Enemies to Host Pheromone, Larval Frass, and Green Leaf Cabbage Volatiles

The parasitoids Trichogramma chilonis (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) and Cotesia plutellae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), and the predator Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), are potential biological control agents for the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae). We present studies on the interactions between these bioagents and various host-associated volatiles using a Y olfactometer. T. chilonis was attracted to a synthetic pheromone blend (Z11–16:Ald, Z11–16:Ac, and Z11–16:OH in a 1:1:0.01 ratio), to Z11–16:Ac alone, and to a 1:1 blend of Z11–16:Ac and Z11–16:Ald. C. plutellae responded to the blend and to Z11–16:Ac and Z11–16:Ald. Male and female C. carnea responded to the blend and to a 1:1 blend of the major components of the pheromone, although no response was elicited by single compounds. Among the four host larval frass volatiles tested (dipropyl disulfide, dimethyl disulfide, allyl isothiocyanate, and dimethyl trisulfide), only allyl isothiocyanate elicited significant responses in the parasitoids and predator, but C. plutellae and both sexes of C. carnea did respond to all four volatiles. Among the green leaf volatiles of cabbage (Brassica oleracea subsp. capitata), only Z3–6:Ac elicited significant responses from T. chilonis, C. plutellae, and C. carnea, but C. plutellae also responded to E2–6:Ald and Z3–6:OH. When these volatiles were blended with the pheromone, the responses were similar to those elicited by the pheromone alone, except for C. carnea males, which had an increased response. The effect of temperature on the response of the biological agents to a mixture of the pheromone blend and Z3–6:Ac was also studied. T. chilonis was attracted at temperatures of 25–35°C, while C. plutellae and C. carnea responded optimally at 30–35°C and 20–25°C, respectively. These results indicate that the sex pheromone and larval frass volatiles from the diamondback moth, as well as volatile compounds from cabbage, may be used by these natural enemies to locate their diamondback moth host.     

Differences in sex pheromone communication systems of closely related species:Spodoptera latifascia (walker) andS. descoinsi lalannecassou & silvain (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

S. latifascia andS. descoinsi are closely related species that occur sympatrically over limited areas in French Guiana. We examined allopatric populations,S. latifascia originating from Barbados andS. descoinsi from French Guiana. Studies on nocturnal activity cycles showed temporal partitioning of female calling behavior, male sexual activity, and mating behavior.S. descoinsi were sexually active in the first half of the scotophase whereasS. latifascia were sexually active in the second half. Seven compounds (Z9–14: Ac,Z9,E12–14: Ac,Z11–16: Ac,E9,E12–14: Ac,Z9–14: Ald,Z9,E11–14: Ac andZ11–14: Ac) were identified in females of bothS. latifascia andS. descoinsi extracts.Z9–14: Ac was a main pheromone component for the two species. The major difference between the pheromones ofS. latifascia andS. descoinsi was the proportion ofZ9,E12–14: Ac in the extracts: 7% forS. latifascia and 42% forS. descoinsi. The proportion ofZ9,E12–14: Ac relative to the sum ofZ9–14: Ac andZ9,E12–14: Ac in individual gland extracts was 4±1% (mean ± standard deviation) forS. latifascia and 44.8±6% forS. descoinsi. Electrophysiological studies showed no major differences between species in the morphology and physiology of the pheromone receptors of males. Receptors were identified forZ9–14: Ac andZ9,E12–14: Ac, but no receptor was found for the other compounds. In the wind tunnel, synthetic blends withZ9–14: Ac andZ9,E12–14: Ac gave the same behavioral responses as conspecific female extracts for the males of the two species. Some cross-attraction was observed with synthetic blends and female extracts. Nethertheless, previous field trapping experiments in French Guiana were species-specific and suggested differences in the attractivity of males. In the laboratory,S. latifascia andS. descoinsi could hybridize in both reciprocal crosses. FemaleS. descoinsi × maleS. latifascia mating rate was significantly lower than for the reciprocal cross, and 26.7% of femaleS. descoinsi could not separate from maleS. latifascia after mating. These copulatory problems may involve genital incompatibilities between males and females. Several barriers against interbreeding betweenS. latifascia andS. descoinsi seem to combine including differences in nocturnal activity cycles, pheromone differences, and genital barriers. The study of sympatric populations will be necessary to define the role of sex pheromones in the reproductive isolation ofS. latifascia andS. descoinsi.     

Identification of Sex Pheromone of Adzuki Bean Borer,Ostrinia scapulalis

By means of gas chromatography with electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and a series of bioassays, (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (Z11–14:OAc) and (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (E11–14:OAc) at a ratio of 100:3 were identified as the female sex pheromone of the adzuki bean borer,Ostrinia scapulalis. The average amounts ofZ11–14: OAc andE11–14:OAc in a single sex pheromone gland were 6.6 ± 2.4 ng and 0.2 ± 0.1 ng, respectively. In a wind-tunnel bioassay, the binary blend ofZ11- andE11–14:OAc elicited almost the same male behavioral responses as did virgin females and sex pheromone gland extract. In field trapping experiments, rubber septa impregnated with the binary blend (50 g/septum) attracted more males than virgin females. The sex pheromone ofO. scapulalis thus turned out to be similar to that of theZ-type European corn borer,O. nubilalis, in both components and their ratio.     

Extreme intraspecific chemical variability in soldier defense secretions of allopatric and sympatric colonies ofLongipeditermes longipes

The chemical defense secretions of major and minor soldiers of over 18 colonies of the primitive glue-squirting nasute termiteLongipeditermes longipes (Isoptera, Termitidae, Nasutitermitinae) were analyzed chormatographically. The colonies, collected from four rainforest sites in peninsular Malaysia, showed monoterpene patterns rich in pinenes and limonene but with few quantitative differences between colonies. In marked contrast, the diterpene chemistry is high variable, and includes tricyclic (trinervitane), tetracyclic (rippertane), bicyclic (secotrinervitane), and a new spirotetracyclic (longipane) skeleton. Three new natural products are included in this remarkable and unprecedented example of structural diversity among different colonies of a single species.Fellow of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation (1981–85) and Camille and Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar (1981–86).