A Natural Inhibitor of the Corn Earworm Moth Sex Attractane

( Z )-ll-hexadecenal was isolated and identified from virgin female Heliothis zea (Boddie) via classical chemical procedures. The chemical elicits strong sex stimulation reactions among caged laboratory males. However, the chemical does not catch males in sticky or electric grid traps in the field. In fact, minute quantities inhibit the male catch of 4 virgin females/trap in sticky traps located in the field.