Observations on the Function of Male Scent Brushes and Mating Behavior in Leucania separata W. and Mamestra brassicae L. : Lepidoptera, Noctuidae

Abstract

Male-produced scents were analyzed, their function was studied, and mating behavior was described in Leucania separata. The male scents contained benzyl alcohol in high concentration until the third night after emergence. Five other scent components, including benzaldehyde, benzoic acid and n-butyl alcohol, were also detected. In tests in whcih hair brushes and antennae were excised and hair-brush pouches were sealed, no direct relation between the male scents and mating behavior was found. Similar biological results were also obtained for Mamestra brassicae.