Some environmental and physiological factors influencing the response of the hide beetle,<i>Dermestes maculatus</i>, to aggregation pheromone

Abstract

Summary Faeces of adult hide beetle (Dermestes maculatus) contain a pheromone causing an aggregative reaction of insects. This response is dependent on pheromone concentration, age, mating status and food conditions of insects, as well as on their former contact with pheromone. Both sexes respond equally to this pheromone.