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J Chem Ecol

Title:		Characteristic odor of Osmoderma eremita identified as a male-released pheromone
Author(s):		Larsson MC; Hedin J; Svensson GP; Tolasch T; Francke W;
Address:		"Department of Ecology, Lund University, SE-223 62 Lund, Sweden. mattias.larsson@vv.slu.se"
Journal Title:		J Chem Ecol
Year:		2003
Volume:		29
Issue:		3
Page Number:		575 - 587
DOI:		10.1023/a:1022850704500
ISSN/ISBN:		0098-0331 (Print) 0098-0331 (Linking)
Abstract:		"Osmoderma eremita (Scopoli) is an endangered scarab beetle living in hollow trees. It has mainly been known for its characteristic odor, typically described as a fruity, peachlike or plumlike aroma. The odor emanating from a single beetle can sometimes be perceived from a distance of several meters. In this paper, we show that the characteristic odor from O. eremita is caused by the compound (R)-(+)-gamma-decalactone, released in large quantities mainly or exclusively by male beetles. Antennae from male and female beetles responded in a similar way to (R)-(+)-gamma-decalactone in electroantennographic recordings. Field trapping experiments showed that (R)-(+)-gamma-decalactone is a pheromone attracting female beetles. Lactones similar to (R)-(+)-gamma-decalactone are frequently used as female-released sex pheromones by phytophagous scarabs. This is, however, the first evidence of a lactone used as a male-produced pheromone in scarab beetles. We propose that the strong signal from males is a sexually selected trait used to compete for females and matings. The signal could work within trees but also act as a guide to tree hollows, which are an essential resource for O. eremita. Males may, thus, attract females dispersing from their natal tree by advertising a suitable habitat. This signal could also be exploited by other males searching for tree hollows or for females, which would explain the catch of several males in our traps"
Keywords:		"Animals Chemoreceptor Cells/drug effects Coleoptera/*physiology Dose-Response Relationship, Drug Female *Lactones/administration & dosage/chemistry/pharmacology Male Odorants Sex Attractants/administration & dosage/chemistry/pharmacology/*physiology Sexua;"
Notes:		"MedlineLarsson, Mattias C Hedin, Jonas Svensson, Glenn P Tolasch, Till Francke, Wittko eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't 2003/05/22 J Chem Ecol. 2003 Mar; 29(3):575-87. doi: 10.1023/a:1022850704500"