| Abstract: | One of the major problems in studies on olfaction is that ofdefining a relevant stimulus. In the context of insect sex pheromones,this problem is that of defining a phermone component. In recentyears, a wealth of information has been obtained on the biosyntheticpathways by which sex pheromones are produced. Several ruleshave emerged that have allowed generalizations concerning theevolution of phermone blends within taxonomic groups. Severaladvances in analytical techniques have allowed precise and reliableidentification of sex pheromones With the appropriate technologyand the knowledge obtained from comparative studies betweentaxonomic groups, it is now possible to determine with a highdegree of accuracy what the pheromone for a species is, andthus to define precisely the relevant stimulus for behavioraland electrophysical studies. |
