Olfactory Response of Dioryctria abietella (Lepidoptera: Phycitidae) to Slash Pine Cones

Abstract

Electroantennogram records from Dioryctria abietella (Denis & Schiffermuller) adults of both sexes show strong responses to odors from cones (conelets) of lstyear slash pine, Pinus clliottii Engelmann var. elliottii , and to extracts prepared from conelets. Responses to odors from the basal ⅓ of the conelet are greater than those from the apical or middle portions. These results suggest that both male and female moths may be attracted to trees with suitable oviposition sites. The relatively greater response to odors from the basal portions of the conelets may offer a clue as to where the eggs are actually laid.