Response of the sap beetle, ‘Phenolia (Lasiodites) picta’ (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) to different flavor components derived from a yeast and fruits

Abstract

We observed the behavioral activity of adult females and larval sap beetles Phenolia (Lasiodites) picta (MacLeay) in response to several potential attractant odors. We observed the arrival rates within 15 min of females and larvae to flavor components derived from yeast and fruits as attractants. All adult females and 93% of larvae arrived at the banana within this time frame. Adults were attracted to banana-flavored castella but displayed little attraction to other odor sources. Larvae showed attraction to the mixture, the essence, and pure ethanol. Larvae also showed lower activity in response to the castella than did adult females. Differences in adult and larval behavioral responses to various odor sources may reflect changes in feeding habits during progressive life stages.