Age-specific titer and antennal perception of acetic acid, a component of malePseudaletia unipuncta (Haw.) hairpencil secretion

Abstract

Hairpencil secretion ofPseudaletia unipuncta (Haw.) contains acetic acid as well as previously identified benzaldehyde and benzyl alcohol. Age-specific titers of acetic acid were significantly greater than those of benzaldehyde and, at 25 °C, accumulation of both compounds in the hairpencils peaked on the second day after emergence. Excised antennae of males and females perceived both compounds. Antennal response to acetic acid did not vary significantly with age or sex, but male response to benzaldehyde was significantly greater than female response at all ages tested. Antennal response of both males and females to benzaldehyde tended to be greater on the fourth and eighth days after emergence than on the second.