Attraction of Scolytus multistriatus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) to a Virgin-Female-Produced Pheromone in the Field1,2

Abstract

Three field studies were conducted to ascertain if pheromones are responsible in part for the aggregating behavior of Scolytus multistriatus (Marsham). It is proposed that tunneling virgin-female beetles produce a pheromone because more in-flight beetles of both sexes were trapped at elm bolts infested with virgin females than at any other experimental treatment. Some beetles were also trapped at elm bolts infested with male beetles or with both males and females and at uninfested bolts, probably in response to host odors.