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Sensitivity of Trichoplusia ni (Hübner) pheromone receptor neurons: Relationships between neural thresholds and behavioral responses

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Summary

  1. 1.

    Responses of Trichoplusia ni HS(A) receptor neurons were measured to determine the minimum detectable concentration (absolute threshold) and the minimum detectable increment (difference threshold) for the major sex pheromone component (Z)-7-dodecen-1-ol acetate (Z7-12∶Ac). The absolute threshold was 1000-fold below the ∼10-11 M level of Z7-12∶Ac at a calling female. The Weber fraction, i.e., the ratio of the difference threshold to the stimulus concentration, declined from ∼0.8 to ∼0.06 as the concentration rose from threshold to high intensities. Relatively smaller fluctuations were detected as the stimulus increased.

  2. 2.

    The HS(A) responses were interpreted in relation to behavior by considering an ideal observer as approximating the central nervous system (CNS). The ideal thresholds were 3–9-fold lower than the HS(A) thresholds.

  3. 3.

    The ideal absolute threshold of the T. ni CNS is comparable to observed behavioral thresholds for wingflutter and taking flight. However, only a low percentage response occurs at threshold. Most males take flight at higher concentrations. Also, the ideal Weber fraction is lower than in most flight-tunnel bioassays. Yet, males respond to small fluctuations in orienting to pheromone plumes. These differences between moths and ideal observers may reflect inhibition at points in the CNS that control the flow of olfactory input.

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Abbreviations

C :

concentration

CNS :

central nervous system

DT :

difference threshold

FSPG :

female sex pheromone glands

HS(A) :

receptor neurons sensitive to Z7-12∶Ac

LDT :

logarithmic difference threshold

M :

moles/liter

T. ni :

Trichoplusia ni

W :

weber fraction (=DT/C)

Z7-12∶Ac :

(Z)-7-dodecen-1-ol acetate

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Author notes

  1. R. W. Mankin

    Present address: Insect Attractants, Behavior and Basic Biology, Research Laboratory; Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 32604, Gainesville, FL, USA

  2. A. J. Grant

    Present address: Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, 222 Maple Ave., 01545, Shrewsbury, MA, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Insect Attractants, Behavior and Basic Biology, Research Laboratory; Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 32604, Gainesville, FL, USA

    M. S. Mayer & A. J. Grant

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Mankin, R.W., Mayer, M.S. & Grant, A.J. Sensitivity of Trichoplusia ni (Hübner) pheromone receptor neurons: Relationships between neural thresholds and behavioral responses. J Comp Physiol A 168, 739–747 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00224362

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