Sex pheromone composition of Ascotis selenaria (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) and its regional variation in Korea

Abstract This study was conducted to investigate sex pheromone composition of Ascotis selenaria (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) in Korea. Two sex pheromone compounds such as ( Z , Z )-6,9- cis -3,4-epoxynonadecadiene (6 Z ,9 Z - cis -3,4-epoxy-19:H) and ( Z , Z , Z )-3,6,9-nonadecatriene (3 Z ,6 Z ,9 Z -19:H) were identified in the glands of A. selenaria females by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. However, the component 3 Z ,6 Z ,9 Z -19:H neither elicited an electroantennogram response nor increased the attractiveness for A. selenaria males in the field. The role of 3 Z ,6 Z ,9 Z -19:H seems to be as an antagonistic signal for mating behavior of A. selenaria males. The blend ratios of two 6 Z ,9 Z - cis -3,4-epoxy-19:H isomers such as, 6 Z ,9 Z - cis -3 R ,4 S -epoxy-19:H and 6 Z ,9 Z - cis -3 S ,4 R -epoxy-19:H, were critical to attract A. selenaria males. The blend ratios of the two isomers showing peak catch of A. selenaria males had large variations among the locations investigated. A. selenaria populations in Gunwi showed peak activity at ratios of 0.9:0.1 and 0.8:0.2, whereas the populations in Goheung, Yeongam, and Jeju (Aewol and Harye) showed peak activity at a 0.5:0.5 ratio. In Changnyeong, the peak activity occurred in a bimodal form at ratios of 0.7:0.3 and 0.4:0.6. Such variation was partially explained by geographical isolation due to mountain ranges. Consequently, the results of our study should be useful for designing a region-specific pheromone lure for successful A. selenaria monitoring.