Electroantennogram response gradient on the antenna of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis

The electroantennogram (EAG) response of male moths of the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) to their two pheromone components, (Z)- and (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetates, were studied. The EAG amplitude of the fast initial phase was approximately proportional to the antennal length. Local EAG responses were obtained along the length of the antenna with multiple electrodes. Response-interaction studies indicated a unique spread of the EAG response in a proximal direction in the antenna. A possible mechanism of the EAG summation was considered. The EAG response characteristic was similar for both (Z)- and (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate along the length of the antenna.