Does the Stereochemistry of Methylated Cuticular Hydrocarbons Contribute to Mate Recognition in the Egg Parasitoid Wasp Ooencyrtus kuvanae

摘要: Close-range sexual communication of the egg parasitoid wasp Ooencyrtus kuvanae (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) takes place on host gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), masses. We tested hypothesis that mate recognition in O. is mediated, part, by low-volatility cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) pheromone components. Gas chromatographic and GC-mass spectrometric analyses body surface extracts male female wasps revealed no sex-specific components, but 5-methylheptacosane (5-me-27Hy) 5,17-dimethylheptacosane (5,17-dime-27Hy) were consistently more abundant males. The ratio 5-me-27Hy 5,17-dime-27Hy was similar males females, quantitative differences alone seemed insufficient to impart CHC profiles. Therefore, we further hypothesized absolute configuration contributes or attraction. As stereoisomers cannot currently be separated chromatographically, could not determine stereochemistry insect-produced Instead, synthesized all bioassayed synthetic blends laboratory experiments. Of eight 2-component blends, each blend containing one two enantiomers four 5,17-dime-27Hy, (5S)-methylheptacosane (5R,17S)-dimethylheptacosane attracted males, whereas (5R)-methylheptacosane (5R,17R)-dimethylheptacosane repelled Apparent both components antagonists supports possibly other methylated CHCs, may differ between kuvanae, these serve attraction recognition.