EXISTENCE OF A SEX-PHEROMONE IN TRIATOMA-INFESTANS (HEMIPTERA, REDUVIIDAE) .1. BEHAVIORAL EVIDENCE

Assembling behaviour associated with mating was investigated in Triato ma infestans. The spatial distribution of both sexes was observed by v ideo films, in the presence or absence of a copulating pair. Males agg regated around copulating pairs. Females did not exhibit this behaviou r and their mean spatial density remained unaffected. Spontaneous aggr egation tendency was observed in males in the absence of a copulating pair but the temporal course significantly differed from that observed in the presence of a mating pair Results support the existence of an aggregation signal that is released during mating affecting the behavi our of males.