Byers, J.A. 1983b. Bark beetle conversion of a plant compound
to a sex-specific inhibitor of pheromone attraction.
Science 220:624-626.
Abstract--
Both sexes of the bark beetle D. brevicomis convert the (+) and (-)
enantiomers of the tree terpene alpha-pinene to the corresponding
enantiomers of trans-verbenol at about equal rates.
(-)-trans-Verbenol inhibited the response of females, but not of males,
to a mixture of attractive pheromone components. Since the female
initiates the attack on a pine tree, (-)-trans-verbenol may play a
role in reducing intraspecific competition for breeding areas.
Chemical Ecology
Abstract--
Both sexes of the bark beetle D. brevicomis convert the (+) and (-)
enantiomers of the tree terpene alpha-pinene to the corresponding
enantiomers of trans-verbenol at about equal rates.
(-)-trans-Verbenol inhibited the response of females, but not of males,
to a mixture of attractive pheromone components. Since the female
initiates the attack on a pine tree, (-)-trans-verbenol may play a
role in reducing intraspecific competition for breeding areas.
Chemical Ecology