SEX-PHEROMONE OF THE MIRID BUG PHYTOCORIS-RELATIVUS

The sex attractant pheromone produced by adult females of the mirid bu g Phytocoris relativus has been identified as a 2:1 blend of hexyl ace tate with (E)-2-octenyl butyrate. The pheromone is stage-, sex-, and s pecies-specific, attracting only adult male P. relativus. Hexyl acetat e was identified in aeration extracts from both sexes, while (E)-2-oct enyl butyrate was produced only by females. Both males and females als o produced hexyl butyrate and octyl acetate, while only females produc ed (E)-2-hexenyl and octenyl acetates, and (Z)-3-octenyl acetate. The function(s) of these chemicals were not determined. Attraction of male s increased with dose, with doses of 0.1 to 33 mg loaded on grey rubbe r septa. Attractiveness of rubber septum lures decreased quickly with age due to the volatility of the two pheromone components.