Chemical ecology of astigmatid mites LVIII. 2-Hydroxy-6-methylbenzaldehyde: Female sex pheromone of Cosmoglyphus hughesi Samšiňák (Acari: Acaridae)

Abstract

2-Hydroxy-6-methylbenzaldehyde (2,6-HMB) was identified as the female sex pheromone from the acarid mite, Cosmoglyphus hughesi. Although the sex pheromone functioned to stimulate males to tap females and then mount, it was detectable as a major component of hexane extracts not only from females but also from males and protonymphs. Its contents were estimated to be 283.1±49.4ng per female, 135.2±25.5ng per male and 3.8±0.4ng per protonymph. Sexual activity was induced in males by exposure of a filter paper impregnated with 100 ng of synthetic 2,6-HMB. Behavioral observation demonstrated that the male could not distinguish females from males upon attempt to mate.