Male sex pheromone components in the butterfly Heliconius melpomene

摘要: Sex specific pheromones are known to play an important role in butterfly courtship, and may influence both individual reproductive success isolation between species. Extensive ecological, behavioural genetic studies of Heliconius butterflies have made a substantial contribution our understanding speciation. However, although long suspected role, chemical signals received relatively little attention this genus. Here, we combine morphological, analyses male pheromone the neotropical melpomene. First identify specialized brush-like scales that putative androconia, lie within shiny grey region found on hindwing males. We then describe six sex compounds, which largely confined androconial mature males, but not immature males or females. Finally, assays reveal subtle, detectable, differences female response models scented with extracts conspecific as compared unscented controls. Collectively, results structures involved release list potential compounds triggering