Abstract
The sex pheromone released by the adult female Tenebrio molitor, 4-methyl-1-nonanol, is well known. In addition, there is evidence that adult males release a pheromone that attracts females. The purpose of the present study was to isolate and identify male-released pheromone(s). Emissions from virgin adult males and females were collected on filter paper and extracted with pentane. Extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. One male-specific compound was detected and identified as (Z)-3-dodecenyl acetate (Z3-12:Ac). In arena bioassays, E3-12:Ac was attractive to females only, at 1 and 10 μg doses. E3-12:Ac was also attractive to females at a 10-μg dose. The presence of both male and female pheromones, each attracting the opposite sex, may contribute to maintaining a high-density population of both sexes.
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Acknowledgments
We thank Dr. Larissa Collins and Mr. A. Prickett for statistical analysis of the behavioral bioassay results. This work was funded under the CSL Seedcorn budget by the UK Department for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs.
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Bryning, G.P., Chambers, J. & Wakefield, M.E. Identification of a Sex Pheromone From Male Yellow MealWorm Beetles, Tenebrio molitor. J Chem Ecol 31, 2721–2730 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-005-7622-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-005-7622-x