Copulation Release Pheromone, Erectin, from the Azuki Bean Weevil (Callosobruchus chinensis L.)

Abstract

Erectin, a pheromone of the azuki bean weevil, Callosobruchus chinensis L., which induces the male to extrude his genital organ and to attempt copulation, was found to consist of two synergistically acting fractions, neither having any activity. One was a mixture of several hydrocarbones: 3-methylpentacosane, 11-methylheptacosane, 3-methylheptacosane, 11-methylnonacosane, 13-methylnonacosane, 11,15-dimethylnonacosane, 13-methylhentriacontane, 9,13-dimethylhentriacontane and 11,15-dimethyltritriacontane; the other was a dicarboxylic acid, (E)-3,7-dimethyl-2-octene-l,8-dioic acid. This copulation release pheromone was distinct from the female sex attractant and was released from both sexes, but affected only the male. © 1981, Pesticide Science Society of Japan. All rights reserved.