Influence of Age and Mating Status on Pheromone Production in a Powderpost Beetle Lyctus africanus (Coleoptera: Lyctinae)

Abstract

Powderpost beetles such as Lyctus africanus are a common pest group for dried cured wood, causing significant harm to wood and wood products. We examined the life span and effects of aging and mating status on pheromone production in the powderpost beetle L. africanus (Coleoptera: Lyctinae). Experiments compared starved and unstarved male groups, and chemical analysis was used to determine factors affecting pheromone production. Regarding lifespan, male beetles provided food survived up to 14 weeks, while starved beetles died before the fifth week. Thus, an adult L. africanus male may require food throughout its lifespan, and food availability may affect pheromone production. There was no significant difference in the quantity of two major pheromone compounds, compound 2 (3-pentyl dodecanoate) and 3 (3-pentyl tetradecanoate) between mated and un-mated males. On the other hand, a minor compound, compound 1 (2-propyl dodecanoate) showed increased quantity after mating. The two major compounds were produced in low amounts by young L. africanus beetles, increasing until the fifth week, and beginning to decrease at the ninth week. The minor compound was produced steadily without significant change up to 9 weeks. Our results represent a step forward in the knowledge of the chemical communication of this important pest.