Volatile Substances from Male Anastrepha fraterculus Wied. (Diptera: Tephritidae): Identification and Behavioural Activity

Abstract

Volatile compounds produced by calling males of Anastrepha species have previously been reported from A. ludens and A. suspensa. Both species mate in the afternoon, release a similar range of compounds in different proportions, and only differ in the production of monoterpenes. When calling, male A. fraterculus releases two isomers of the sesquiterpene α-farnesene, three lactones (anastrephin, epianastrephin and (E,E)-suspensolide), and two monoterpenes (limonene and (Z)-ß-ocimene). The dimorphic male salivary glands produce and/or store the same isomers of α-farnesene and suspensolide, and four pyrazines. Two of these compounds have been previously reported from male A ludens and A. suspensa. Salivary glands from virgin calling male A. fraterculus showed behavioural activity when bioassayed with virgin mature female flies, but immature females were not attracted.