Trans-beta-farnesene as a feeding stimulant for the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae).

R. B. Tesh, H. Guzman, M. L. Wilson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

The aphid alarm pheromone, trans-beta-farnesene (TBF), was found to stimulate feeding in both male and female Lutzomyia longipalpis Lutz & Neiva. Four other structurally related compounds (farnesol; 808 farnesene; trans, trans-farnesyl acetate; farnesyl methyl ether) were slightly less stimulating to these insects. The effect of TBF varied with sand fly age and the concentration of the chemical used. In contrast, TBF did not stimulate feeding in either sex of four other sand fly species (L. shannoni Dyar, Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli), P. argentipes Annandale & Brunetti, P. perniciosus Newstead). TBF might be useful in enhancing L. longipalpis field collections or in developing a poison bait for the control of this species.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)226-231
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of medical entomology
Volume29
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1992
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Parasitology
  • General Veterinary
  • Insect Science
  • Infectious Diseases

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