Responses of Lepidoptera to Synthetic Sex Pheromone Chemicals and Their Analogues

Abstract

Chemical communication systems are being analyzed at an increasing rate by defin­ ing only the chemicals involved, or by describing the complex behavioral patterns elicited by some natural chemical mix of unknown composition. With insects, too often the former approach has been prevalent and the behavioral roles of many of the identified chemicals have not been pursued. Many times, however, the possible behavioral functions of a chemical can be inferred from indirect measurements, such as the compound's effect on trap catch. This chapter discusses field trapping and field observation techniques in elucidating sex pheromone responses of Lepidoptera, as well as the modulation of these reactions by various chemicals that are not constituents of the natural pheromone system.