Journal of Chemical Ecology (2000) 26, 2843-2855

Francisco de Assis Marques, J. Steven McElfresh and Jocelyn G. Millar Millar (2000)
Female-produced sex pheromone of the predatory bug Geocoris punctipes
Journal of Chemical Ecology 26 (12), 2843-2855
Abstract: A compound identified from air-entrained volatiles produced by adult female Geocoris punctipes attracted male bugs and stimulated males to investigate nearby moving objects of the appropriate size in their search for females. The compound was identified as (E)-2-octenyl acetate, a relatively common component of the volatile semiochemicals produced by a number of heteropteran species. This compound comprised a significant proportion of the female volatiles, whereas it was detected in only trace amounts in volatiles collected from live males. Other components in the extracts from adults of both sexes included (E)-2-hexenyl acetate, (E)-2-octenal, and several saturated hydrocarbons, but these components were not part of the attractant. These compounds plus (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-4-oxo-2-hexenal, and (E)-2-decenal were found in extracts of homogenized adults, whereas the cast skins from late instar nymphs contained (E)-2-octenal, (E)-4-oxo-2-octenal, (E)-2-octenoic acid, and several saturated hydrocarbons.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Jocelyn G. Millar

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
Geocoris punctipes (predator)