Physiological Effects on Sex Pheromone Communication in the Southern Green Stink Bug, Nezara viridula 123

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Abstract
The influence of selected physiological conditions on sex pheromone communication in the southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula , was investigated. Olfactometers in which both live insects and extracted matenals could be assayed were designed, and a bioassay procedure was developed. Pheromone extracts were prepared from toweling exposed to virgin males and extracted with ethanol. Significant release of the pheromone occurred 7 days after the male's imaginal molt. Only sexually mature non-diapausing males, mated and unmated, were attractive. Males apparently lost some of their attractiveness for a period of 5–6 days after mating, but thereafter became very attractive to sexually mature virgin females. Starvation of the males for more than 72 h inhibited mating but not attractiveness. Female responsiveness began 4 days after the imaginal molt and reached a plateau ca. 2 wk later. Female responsiveness decreased after mating, starvation, and habituation. Females in reproductive diapause were unresponsive.

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