Sex pheromone levels in pheromone glands and identification of the pheromone and hydrocarbons in the hemolymph of the moth Scoliopteryx libatrix L. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract The hydrocarbon sex pheromone (13‐methyl‐Z6‐heneicosene) of Scoliopteryx libatrix L. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was found to reach its highest levels on pheromone glands of 3‐day‐old females. Pheromone levels were not different between the time of maximum calling (end of scotophase) and at the middle of photophase. Overwintering females collected in October had sex pheromone present. Decapitation did not lower the amount of pheromone present, indicating that a head factor is not involved in maintaining pheromone titers. Hemolymph also contained the pheromone, indicating that it is made by oenocytes and transported to the sex pheromone gland. Longer chain length hydrocarbons were also identified from the hemolymph and on the cuticular surface. Quantitative differences in hydrocarbon profiles were found with more methyl‐branched hydrocarbons found in the hemolymph than on the cuticular surface. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 47:35–43, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.