Pheromone chemistry of the Neotropical cerambycid beetles Achryson surinamum and Sphaerion inerme

Abstract

During field screening trials in Brazil, adults of both sexes of the cerambycid beetle Achryson surinamum (L.) (Cerambycinae: Achrysonini) were significantly attracted to racemic anti-2,3-octanediol, previously identified as a sex and aggregation-sex pheromone of various cerambycid species across different continents. Analyses of beetle-produced volatiles revealed that males of A. surinamum sex-specifically produce (2S,3R)-2,3-octanediol, as well as lesser amounts of (S)-2-methylbutan-1-ol. In field trials, both sexes of beetles were attracted by reconstructions of the species’ pheromone blend with synthesized components, confirming males produce an aggregation-sex pheromone. During the trials, the cerambycine Sphaerion inerme White (Elaphidiini) was attracted to some of the test lures, providing leads to its attractant pheromone. Subsequent analysis of extracts of headspace volatiles from live adults of S. inerme revealed that males produce a blend of (R)-2-methylbutan-1-ol and (R)-2-methylpentan-1-ol. In field tests, blends of racemic 2-methylbutan-1-ol+2-methylpentan-1-ol attracted significant numbers of beetles of both sexes. This study provides further examples of how identification of attractant pheromones of cerambycid species can be expedited by leveraging prior knowledge of the pheromone chemistry of related species.