Sex Pheromone Gland Development in Redbanded Leafroller Moth, Argyrotaenia velutinana,1 Pupae and Adults2

Abstract

The development and growth of the female Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) sex pheromone gland was followed through pupal and adult stages by morphological, histological, and ultrastructural studies. Periods of development include (1) the reorganization of the pupal caudal end within 60 h after the larval-pupal moult, (2) differentiation of the pheromone gland in 3-day-old pupae, (3) growth into columnar cells with basal nuclei in 4-, to 6-day-old pupae, (4) maturation to tall columnar cells with centrally located nuclei and vacuolated basal cytoplasm in 2-, to 3-day old adults, and (5) stabilization with no detectable deterioration in 6-, to 7-day-old adults. The 1st appearance and prevalence of agranular endoplasmic reticulum and lipid droplets is coincident to the presence and increase of extractable pheromone in the glands, suggesting that pheromone biosynthesis occurs in the gland.