Chemically-mediated billbug (Sphenophorus spp.) behavior

Billbugs represent a complex of weevils in the genus Sphenophorus that are major pests of managed turfgrass. The two most common species associated with turfgrass in the United States are the bluegrass billbug Sphenophorus parvulus and the hunting billbug Sphenophorus venatus. This study aims to understand the role of chemical communication in billbug host-finding and mating behavior. In y-tube olfactometer bioassays, S. venatus were attracted to Bermudagrass Cynodon dactylon (var. Patriot), suggesting that volatiles mediate host location behavior. The role of contact pheromones in mate recognition was investigated through laboratory mating assays and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of cuticular waxes. Results of mating assays and analysis of cuticular hydrocarbons will be reported. Insight into the chemical signals associated with host-finding and mate recognition may prove useful for the development of monitoring and IPM tools for these insects.