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. 1972 Oct 6;178(4056):67-8.
doi: 10.1126/science.178.4056.67.

Chemical trail-following by flying insects: a mechanism for orientation to a distant odor source

S R Farkas, H H Shorey

Chemical trail-following by flying insects: a mechanism for orientation to a distant odor source

S R Farkas et al. Science. .

Abstract

An aerial trail of odorous pheromone molecules extends downwind from a female pink bollworm moth that is receptive for mating. Males apparently sense the boundaries of the trail during their characteristic zigzag flights across it. Contrary to previous beliefs, the mechanism by which the males steer toward the odor source does not require a sensing of wind direction.

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