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Identification of a sex pheromone produced by female velvetbean caterpillar moth

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Abstract

A sex pheromone produced by female velvetbean caterpillar moths,Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner, that attracts conspecific males was isolated and identified as a blend of (Z,Z,Z)-3,6,9-eicosatriene and (Z,Z,Z)-3,6,9-heneicosatriene in a ratio of ca. 5∶3, respectively, when combined. The synthesized compounds elicited responses by velvetbean caterpillar moth males equivalent to those elicited by females in both laboratory wind tunnel bioassays and field trapping experiments.

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Lepidoptera: Noctuidae.

Mention of a commercial or proprietary product does not constitute an endorsement by the USDA.

Employed through a cooperative agreement between the Department of Entomology & Nematology, University of Florida, and the Insect Attractants, Behavior, and Basic Biology Research Laboratory, Gainesville, Florida 32604.

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Heath, R.R., Tumlinson, J.H., Leppla, N.C. et al. Identification of a sex pheromone produced by female velvetbean caterpillar moth. J Chem Ecol 9, 645–656 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00990414

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00990414

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