Scarab beetle Anomala albopilosa albopilosa utilizes a more complex sex pheromone system than a similar species A-cuprea

Four compounds have been identified as sex pheromone constituents of the scarab beetle Anomala albopilosa albopilosa, namely (R, Z)-5-(-)-(oct-1-enyl)oxacyclopentan-2-one (buibuilactone), 2-(E)-nonenol, 2-(E)-nonenal, and methyl benzoate (in the ratio 10:3:3:1). The diel rhythm of pheromone release in A. a. albopilosa showed a peak at the beginning of the scotophase, which is also a peak of mating activity. On the other hand, the similar species A. cuprea utilizes a two-constituent sex pheromone, having a common major component, but the pheromone is released both during scoto- and photophase. Temporal difference in mating activity and pheromone release along with chemical diversity seem to form the basis for maintaining species specificity in pheromonal communication between A. a. albopilosa and A. cuprea.