Scoliopteryx libatrix (L.) (Lep., Noctuidae) male reaction to the synthetic main sex pheromone component and its isomers – wind tunnel and field investigations

Abstract: The four stereoisomers of 6,13-methylheneicosene were tested with Scoliopteryx libatrix (L.) males in a wind tunnel. The most active isomer was (Z6,S13)-methylheneicosene which had been identified as the main sex pheromone component of the species. Some medium activity was found for (Z6,R13)- and (E6,S13)-, while the (E6,R13)-stereoisomer showed the lowest activity. These results were confirmed in field tests with sticky traps. Monitoring of S. libatrix at two sites showed that the flight of the insects started at the end of March to the beginning of April and lasted till August to the beginning of September. It was concluded that the males of the second generation were not attracted by the pheromone.