Author(s): MARTINS, C. B. C.; SOLDI, R. A.; BARBOSA, L. R.; ALDRICH, J. R.; ZARBIN, P. H. G.

Summary: Thaumastocoris peregrinus is an introduced “true bug” that is now a severe pest in Eucalyptus plantations of various Southern Hemisphere countries. The semiochemicals of thaumastocorids are completely unknown. Therefore, volatile chemicals from T. peregrinus nymphs and adults were identified as possible leads for pheromones potentially useful for control. The contents of nymphal exocrine glands, which are shed at molting, were identified from extracts of exuviae. Adults lack functional metathoracic scent glands that are characteristic ofmost heteropterans; however, bothmales and females possess a glandular-appearing hold-fast organ that they quickly extrude posteriorly when disturbed. Whole body hexane extracts from males and females were prepared by freezing the insects in a flask so that they extruded the hold-fast organ, and then they were extracted with hexane. Volatiles from nymphal exuviae included benzaldehyde, octanol, (E)-2-octenol, octanoic acid, decanal, and hexanoic acid. Adult volatiles included 3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl butyrate and 3-methylbut-3-en-1-yl butyrate.

Publication year: 2012

Types of publication: Journal article

Unit: Embrapa Forestry

Keywords: Eucalipto, Heteroptera, Inseto, Percevejo bronzeado, Praga, Thaumastocoridae, Thaumastocoris peregrinus