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Disseminating knowledge of insects

Evidence of a female sex pheromone in Bradysia odoriphaga (Diptera: Sciaridae)

H -J. Li, X -K. He, A -J. Zeng, Y -J. Liu, S -R. Jiang


The Canadian Entomologist, 2008, 140:(3) 324-326, 10.4039/n08-005

Abstract

The existence of a sex pheromone of Bradysia odoriphaga Yang and Zhang was investigated prior to the possible development of a semiochemical-based monitoring system or tools for controlling this pest. In laboratory bioassays, live virgin females stimulated 91% of males to attempt to mate. Methylene dichloride washes of whole bodies and excised ovipositors of females attracted males in olfactometer assays. These results indicate the presence of a female sex pheromone in B. odoriphaga, with the ovipositor as its possible source.