Félix A. E., Calatayud Paul-André, Le Rü Bruno, Silvain Jean-François, Frérot B. (2011). Sex pheromone composition and reproductive isolation in two Busseola species (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Kenya. Chemoecology, 21 (2), p. 107-111. ISSN 0937-7409.
Titre du document
Sex pheromone composition and reproductive isolation in two Busseola species (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Kenya
Félix A. E., Calatayud Paul-André, Le Rü Bruno, Silvain Jean-François, Frérot B.
Source
Chemoecology, 2011,
21 (2), p. 107-111 ISSN 0937-7409
Closely related species provide an interesting and useful model to understand mate communication diversification. Pre-mating isolation is the result of selection processes and is achieved by utilization of different sex pheromones, but also by different ecological and life traits such as geographic distribution, host-plant specialization and allochrony of sexual behavior. Here, we report sex pheromone identifications and pre-mating isolation of two closely related species of stemborers: Busseola segeta and the yet undescribed Busseola nov. sp., developing on different host-plants and in different geographical locations in Kenya. GC-MS analyses showed that the two species produced the same pheromone components, but in slight different ratios. The respective synthetic pheromone mixtures tested in the field were attractive for males of each species. The low inter-specific variation in the pheromone mixture would allow possible interbreeding in case of accidental introduction of both species in the same environment. Under laboratory conditions, allochrony of the mating period is total and might prevent interbreeding if confirmed in natural conditions. This point would ensure the reproductive isolation between the two species in case of modifications of ecological factors. This study and the chemical structures of the identified pheromone components clearly demonstrate that these Busseola species are closely related although they differ in morphology.
