The research described here is an investigation into the chemical ecology of longhorned beetles that are native to North America. We studied the reproductive behavior of a longhorned beetle species, including behaviors involved in locating host plants for the larvae, and locating and recognizing mates. Adult beetles of both sexes responded to volatile chemicals released by host plants, and mated on the host. Once there, males searched for females and only responded to them after antennal contact. Bioassays confirmed that mate recognition was cued by long-chain hydrocarbons in the cuticular wax layer. Differences between the sexes in hydrocarbon profiles suggest some likely compounds that comprise the contact pheromone.
Keywords: plant-insect interactions, mating behavior
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