Behavior and pheromone studies withAttagenus elongatulus Casey (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)

Males ofAttagenus elongatulus Casey responded to a source of female odor with a characteristic sequence of actions which included: extension of the antennae, elevation of the body by leg extension, rapid zig-zag running, and intermittent bobbing up and down. The courtship sequence also consisted of several activities and was usually followed by a typical copulatory act of less than 1-minute duration. Virgin females exhibited calling behavior which was associated with pheromone release. Female calling activity, female pheromone content, and male responsiveness followed a diurnal cycle with peak values occurring during the earlier hours of the 16L8D photoperiod. Quantitative bioassay indicated that a 50% male response level (RD₅₀) occurred at ca. 0.014 female equivalent (FE) exposure.