A sex pheromone component novel to the Geometridae identified from Epirrita autumnata.

(Z,Z,Z)-1, 3, 6, 9-Heneicosatetraene was identified as a sex pheromone component of Epirrita autumnata (Borkhausen), (Lepidoptera: Geometridae). Gas chromatography coupled with electroantennographic detection revealed one active peak-from female pheromone gland extracts. The chemical identification of the compound was based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, chemical micro-reactions and unambiguous synthesis. In a field test, a rubber septum loaded with 3000 μg of this compound showed highest attraction of male E. autumnata moths compared to lower doses and the control. The attraction of males to a 300 μg bait was equivalent to that obtained using live virgin females.