Orientation of Sugarcane Rootstalk Borer Weevil, Diaprepes abbreviatus, to Weevil, Frass, and Food Odors

Abstract

Adults of the sugarcane rootstalk borer weevil, Diaprepes abbreviatus, form aggregations on citrus trees, where they feed on new foliage. The relative roles of male and female weevils, frass, food, and combinations of these odor sources in aggregation formation were studied using a y-tube olfactometer. Female and male D. abbreviatus were attracted by food, males, females, and female or male frass. Females were most often attracted by damaged food (broken green beans), whereas males were similarly attracted to damaged food and either female frass, male frass, or heterosexual pairs. No enhancement of attraction by either sex was found when males and male frass were combined with damaged food.