A dihydroxy-γ-lactone as an Oviposition Stimulant for the Swallowtail Butterfly, Papilio bianor, from the Rutaceous Plant, Orixa japonica

Abstract

  The oviposition response of the Rutaceae-feeding swallowtail butterfly, Papilio bianor, was induced by a methanolic extract from leaves of its major host, Orixa japonica. Several components were responsible for this oviposition response. One of the stimulants was isolated and identified as (-)-2-C-methyl-D-erythrono-1,4-lactone. The compound was inactive alone, but elicited oviposition behavior when mixed with other fractions.