Sex attractant for Izatha peroneanella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae sensu lato), a lichen tuft moth

Abstract

The first sex attractant for the genus Izatha is reported as (Z)-7-tetradecen-1-yl acetate in I. peroneanella. A trapping trial for tortricid moths in New Zealand forests resulted in the serendipitous capture of 310 male lichen tuft moths, I. peroneanella, to this compound which is presumed to be part of the sex pheromone. The inhibitory response from the addition of saturated tetradecyl acetate suggests that this compound may play a role in the reproductive isolation of I. peroneanella from related species.

Keywords:

• (Z)-7-tetradecen-1-yl acetate
• tetradecyl acetate
• antagonist
• pheromone

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Dr Robert Hoare (Landcare Research) for his confirmation of the identity of this Izatha species. This work was funded by the New Zealand Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (Sustainable Integrated Pest Management in Horticulture, CO6X0811).