Hydrocarbon Component of the Drosophila virilis (Diptera: Drosophilidae) Aggregation Pheromone: (Z)-10-Heneicosene

Abstract

Existence of an aggregation pheromone in Drosophila virilis Sturtevant was demonstrated by laboratory bioassay. Sexually mature (6+-day-old) males produce compounds that attract males and females of any age tested (1–9 days). Extracts of males or females 2 to 6 days old were also significantly more attractive than controls, but extracts of females 6 to 10 days old or of males or females E)-alkenes was active.