Olfaction and cyanide sensitivity in the six-spot burnet mothZygaena filipendulae and the silkmothBombyx mori

Summary Olfactory receptor and standing potentials of maleZygaena filipendulae andBombyx mori were recorded from isolated antennae before and after exposure to hydrogen cyanide. Exposure of two minutes caused a transient decrease and complete recovery of both potentials inZ filipendulae, while an exposure of 0.5 min led to disappearance of these parameters inB. mori. Mechanisms of cyanide resistance are discussed.We thank Dr. E. Priesner for hints concerning biotopes ofZ. filipendulae, Miss I. Block for experimental help, Drs. U. Thurm and R. Villet for helpful criticism, and the Stiftung Volkswagenwerk for financial support.