Abstract
It has been postulated that males of a number of scorpionfly species produce sex pheromones. This is based on the observation that females often respond only to conspecific males when they evert their genital pouch, the proposed site of pheromone release. In this study, we prove that in Panorpa germanica (Mecoptera, Panorpidae), the eversion of a male's genital pouch is associated with the release of a volatile sex pheromone. In dual choice situations, females showed a high preference for 'calling' (males with everted genital pouch) over noncalling individuals. Volatiles emitted by males and females were collected and identified by coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Two aldehydes [(2E,6Z)-nona-2,6-dienal and (E)-non-2-enal] were characteristic of calling males but not of noncalling or immature males or females. Bioassays with synthetic compounds confirmed that the identified substances are attractive to females. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first identification of a sex pheromone in scorpionflies.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
