Studies on the isolation and bioassay of the sex pheromone of the drugstore beetle,Stegobium paniceum (Coleoptera: Anobiidae)

Females ofStegobium paniceum (L.) produce a sex pheromone that causes an excitation and attraction of the males. Male response was highest 5–12 days after adult emergence. Pheromone titer of unmated females increased steadily after 1 day, reached a plateau after 5 days, and continued until at least 14 days. Mature males showed a threshold responsiveness of 3 × 10^?7 μg pheromone. The pheromone titer per female ranged from 50 to 200 ng. On the basis of a high-resolution mass spectrum the empirical formula of the pure isolated pheromone molecule was determined to be C₁₃H₂₀O₃. The pheromone was further defined by its Chromatographic behavior and spectroscopic properties.