Trace chemicals: the essence of sexual communication systems in Heliothis species

• Published in: Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) Vol. 204; no. 4399; pp. 1328 - 1330
• Main Authors: Klun, J.A, Plimmer, J.R, Bierl-Leonhardt, B.A, Sparks, A.N, Chapman, O.L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Association for the Advancement of Science 22.06.1979
• Subjects: Animal sexual behavior; Chemical mixtures; Chemicals; Corn earworm; Cotton; Female animals; Heliothis; Heptanes; Insect pests; Insect traps; Male animals; Organic farming; Ovipositor; Sexual behavior in animals; Virgin females

Analysis of heptane-soluble compounds from ovipositors of Heliothis zea and Heliothis virescens shows that both species produce relatively large amounts of (Z)-11-hexadecenal, with traces of (Z)-9-hexadecenal, (Z)-7-hexadecenal, and hexadecanal. Heliothis virescens females differ from Heliothis zea...