Identification of a minor component of the sex pheromone of the leopard moth (Zeuzera pyrina L.; Lepidoptera, Cossidae) by capillary gas chromatography

Abstract

Sex pheromones of Lepidoptera are multicomponent blends produced by virgin females. Although the major component of this blend is sometimes sufficient to attract males when used alone and at high doses, behavioral studies have shown the importance of minor components in improving field catches [ 11. The female sex pheromone of the leopard moth Zeuzera pyrina L. has been reported (21 as a three-component mixture: (E,Z)2,13-octadecadien-l-o1 acetate (major compound), (Z)-13-octadecen-1-01 acetate, and (Z,E)-2,13-octadecadien-l-ol acetate 131. Neither (E,Z)-2, 13alone, nor various mixtures of the corresponding isomers, nor a blend of identified compounds were found to be significantly attractive for the males (21. As traces of minor compounds have been shown to increase capture of males in some Sesiidae species that share the same type of molecules (41, we reinvestigated the composition of the leopard moth sex pheromone in order to detect other positional isomers of octadecadien1-01 acetates and thus to produce a more efficient sex attractant. This note reports our investigations to identify a minor isomer of octadecadien-1-01 acetate using a highly polar capillary column.