3-Methyl-α-himachalene: Proposed structure for novel homosesquiterpene sex pheromone ofLutzomyia longipalpis (diptera: Psychodidae) from Jacobina, Brazil

Abstract

The principal behaviorally active volatile component (ca. 90% +) of the sex pheromone glands ofLutzomyia longipalpis from Jacobina. Brazil, has been isolated and characterized as a novel homosesquiterpene with the structure 3-methyl-α-himachalene (C₁₆H₂₆). A minor component (ca. 10%) of the gland extract has also been identified as the sesquiterpeneα-himachalene (C₁₅H₂₄). This work confirms that there are at least 3 members of theL. longipalpis species complex.