Methyl anthranilate attracts males of Thaumatomyia glabra (Meigen) (Diptera : Chloropidae).

Thaumatomyia glabra (Meigen) flies were observed at a blueberry-scented can dle at an open window. Significant numbers of males of this fly subsequentl y were captured in traps baited with a piece of the same type of candle, co mpared to numbers captured in unbaited traps. GC-MS analysis of a volatile collection made from air passed over a blueberry scented candle revealed th e presence of a number of chemicals, including methyl anthranilate. In fiel d tests, significant numbers of male T. glabra were captured in traps baite d with methyl anthranilate applied to a filter paper. Numbers of males capt ured in traps increased significantly with the dose of methyl anthranilate applied to a filter paper in the trap, through the highest dose tested (140 mug per paper). In a direct comparison of methyl anthranilate (140 mug) an d scented candle, greater numbers of dies were captured in traps baited wit h methyl anthranilate.