Convergence in amino acid sequences between proteins can be strong evidence
for selection. Here, I look for evidence of convergence in the amino acid
sequences of pheromone binding protein (PBP) in response to convergence in
pheromones. PBPs are involved in sex pheromone reception by the antennae of
male moths. In this role PBPs may selectively bind pheromone components an
d experience convergent selection in response to convergence in pheromone c
omponents. However, examination of the PBPs of the taxa that have converged
upon the use of (E)- or Z-11-tetradecenyl acetate as their major pheromone
component reveals little evidence for convergence in the PBPs identified f
rom these taxa. A few sites show a pattern consistent with convergence or p
arallelism; however, it cannot be ruled out that these sites share the ance
stral state. Two of these sites fall within the proposed binding region of
PBPs, These results suggest that PBPs either have not converged in sequence
or have converged at very few sites in response to convergence on the same
pheromone component.