Spiroacetals and Other Venom Constituents as Potential Wasp Attractants

Abstract

The major volatile spiroacetals from the venom of both the common wasp, Vespula vulgaris and the German wasp V. germanica, viz. 7-methyl-1,6-dioxaspiro[4,5]decane and 7-ethyl-2-methyl-1,6-dioxaspiro-[4,5]decane, respectively, were synthesized by known methods. These acetals, along with N-isopentylacetamide (the major volatile amide from wasp venom), 2-heptanone (a honeybee pheromone), 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol (a component of hornet venom), cuticle wax from V. vulgaris, and venom sacs from both wasp species were assayed by EAG and olfactory bioassay for attractancy to V. vulgaris workers. Antennal responses to all test chemicals were recorded. Acetal isomers (±)-2 and (±)-3, N-isopentylacetamide, and 2-heptanone were attractive to V. vulgaris workers at levels of <1 μmol. Greater quantities of the same compounds were repellent to V. vulgaris workers.