Studies on the Scent of Stink Bugs (Hemiptera : Pentatomidae) : I. Alarm Pheromone Activity

Abstract

Existence of alarm pheromone in stink bugs was demonstrated. The secnt discharged from the stink bugs for the purpose of defense against their enemies, made the other individuals of the same species alert and disperse. trans-2-Hexenal, one of the majnor components of the scent, had the same alarm effect. The activity was not species-specific among at least three species of Pentatomid bugs, Eurydema rugosa, E. pulchra and Nezara viridula.