Pheromone Bouquet of the Dried Bean Beetle, Acanthoscelides obtectus (Col.: Chrysomelidae), Now Complete

Male-specific volatile components, released by the dried bean beetle, Acanthoscelides obtectus, were identified as methyl (E,R)-2,4,5-tetradecatrienoate, methyl (2E,4Z,7Z)-2,4,7-decatrienoate, methyl (2E,4Z)-2,4-decadienoate, octadecanal and the sesquiterpenes (3Z,6E)- and (3E,6E)-α-farnesene. In olfactometer bioassays, pure methyl (E,R)-2,4,5-tetradecatrienoate was only weakly attractive to unmated females. However, a blend of the six identified compounds released in physiologically relevant ratios and doses proved to be as active as headspace odours collected from live males.