3Z,6Z,9Z-Trienes and unsaturated epoxides as sex attractants for geometrid moths

Abstract

Sex attractants for three species of geometrid moths were discovered during field screening of 3Z,6Z,9Z-trienes, and the racemic monoepoxydienes derived therefrom. MaleProbole amicaria moths were attracted to lure blends containing 6Z,9Z-cis-3,4-epoxy-nonadecadiene (6Z,9Z-cis-3,4-epoxy-19∶H) with 3Z,9Z-cis-6,7-epoxy-19∶H. 3Z,6Z,9Z-19∶H was positively identified and 6Z,9Z-cis-3,4-epoxy-19∶H was tentatively identified in extracts of female pheromone glands by coupled gas chromatography-electroantennogram detection (GC-EAD) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).Sicya macularia male moths were attracted by blends of 3Z,6Z,9Z-19∶H and 6Z,9Z-cis-3,4-epoxy-19∶H. The attractive response was strongly antagonized by small amounts of 3Z,9Z-cis-6,7-epoxy-19∶H, or by larger amounts of 3Z,6Z-cis-9,10-epoxy-19∶H.Lomographa semiclarata male moths were attracted by a variety of lures containing 3Z,6Z,9Z-17∶H as a major component. 3Z,6Z,9Z-17∶H was tentatively identified in a female pheromone gland extract by GC-EAD.