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Sexually dimorphic setiferous sex patch in the male red flour beetle,Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae): Site of aggregation pheromone production

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Abstract

Evidence for the existence of a male-produced aggregation pheromone secreted from the prothoracic femoral setiferous sex patch ofTribolium castaneum is reported. Both sexes were attracted toca. 60 ng of crude secretion. Males and females perceive the pheromone on the day of emergence while perception differs between the sexes: male response reaches a maximum on day 1 posteclosion, when tested at <1, 1, and 30 days; females show a maximum response at 30 days posteclosion. Behavioral responses to pheromone odors and a complex Chromatographic profile are reported.

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Dedicated to Dr. Alexander Sokoloff for his monumental contributions to the studies onTribolium and upon the occasion of his 60th birthday.

Supported in part by a Graduate Student Alumni Research Award from the Graduate School, The Ohio State University; the National Science Foundation; and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.

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Faustini, D.L., Burkholder, W.E. & Laub, R.J. Sexually dimorphic setiferous sex patch in the male red flour beetle,Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae): Site of aggregation pheromone production. J Chem Ecol 7, 465–480 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00995769

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00995769

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