Exocrine chemistry of beneficial insects: Male-specific secretions from predatory stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Abstract

1. 1. Males of some predaceous pentatomids possess patches of setae on the abdominal sternum overlying epidermal exocrine glands. 2. 2. Mineus strigipes males secrete predominantly 6,10,13-trimethyltetradecanol, and Oplomus dichrous males secrete this alcohol and the corresponding isovalerate ester. 3. 3. Males transfer secretion from the sternal gland setae to setae on their tibiae and tarsae. 4. 4. The possibility that these male-specific secretions are employed as pheromones is considered and potential uses of synthetic mimics for these secretions are discussed.