EVIDENCE FOR A MALE-PRODUCED AGGREGATION PHEROMONE IN THE WESTERN CONIFER SEED BUG, LEPTOGLOSSUS OCCIDENTALIS HEIDEMANN (HEMIPTERA: COREIDAE)

Abstract

The western conifer seed bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann, and the southern pine seed bug, L. corculus (Say), feed on the developing seeds of conifers causing great losses to seed crops (Koerber 1963; Connelly and Schowalter 1991; Schowalter 1996). When high populations threaten the yieldof genetically superior, high quality seed in seed orchards, chemical controls may be used (DeBarr et al. 1982). However, because even minor uses of chemical pesticides are increasingly restricted, particularly in British Columbia where seed orchards commonly interface with urban areas, damaging populations of L. occidentalis may not be controlled at all.