Insights into the chemically-mediated signaling strategies of the longhorned beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Abstract
In Chapter 1, I review the literature regarding the semiochemistry of the longhorned beetles. I discuss three general host and mate location strategies by cerambycids including the use of host plant volatiles, male-produced aggregation pheromones and female-produced sex-pheromones. I also discuss the importance of contact sex pheromones in mate recognition. In Chapter 2, I test the hypothesis that hydrocarbons in the epicuticular wax layer of female Megacyllene robiniae (Förster) are stratified, and that washing a female in solvent, and applying the crude extract alters the ratios of hydrocarbons, including the contact pheromone, ( Z)-9-pentacosene. This research has been published: Hughes GP, Spikes AE, Holland, JD, Ginzel MD. (2011) Evidence for the stratification of hydrocarbons in the epicuticular wax layer of female Megacyllene robiniae (Coleoptera Cerambycidae). This chapter is used with kind permission from Springer Science+Business Media: Chemoecology, 21, 2011, 99-105, Gabriel P. Hughes, Annie E. Spikes, Jeffrey D. Holland, Matthew D. Ginzel, Figures 1 and 2, and any original (first) copyright notice displayed with material. In Chapter 3, I test the hypothesis that individual components of cerambycid pheromones from four subfamilies (Cerambycinae, Lamiinae, Prioninae and Spondylidinae) can be used as generic lures to attract a variety of species within these subfamilies. The hexanediols and hydroxyketones significantly attracted five species of cerambycines, while fuscumol and fuscumol acetate significantly attracted four species of lamiines. In Chapter 4, I test the hypothesis that topical applications of methoprene stimulate pheromone production in Neoclytus acuminatus acuminatus . Doses of 10 μg or 50 μg of methoprene had no effect on pheromone production, but doses of 100 μg of methoprene significantly increased the amount of pheromone males produced.
Degree
M.S.
Advisors
Ginzel, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Entomology
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