A failed attempt to demonstrate pheromone communication in archaic moths of the genus Sabatinca Walker (Lepidoptera, Micropterigidae)

Abstract

Data on pheromones of phylogenetically archaic moths are very scant, despite being needed to understand the life history evolution and phylogeny of the basal lineages of Lepidoptera. Two New Zealand micropterigid moths, Sabatinca (Palaeomicra) chalcophanes Meyr. and Sabatinca (s.str.) demissa Philp., were investigated for pheromone communication. Consistent negative results were demonstrated by (i) behavioural observations, (ii) exposure of blends containing active components of pheromones identified in caddis‐flies and archaic moths, (iii) exposure of caged males and females in sticky traps, and (iv) detection of male and female antennal responses to both male and female extracts. Since no data indicated the presence of long‐distance sex pheromones in Sabatinca, we concluded that these moths use visual clues to meet sexual partners. The secondary lack of pheromone communication in Micropterigidae suggests a high degree of ecological specialization in this plylogenetically most archaic moth family.

The sternum V glands in Lepidoptera

“…1996). However, Kozlov and Zvereva (1999) did not find any evidence for attraction pheromones in two species of Sabatinca (Micropterigidae). Tóth et al.…”

“…If not used to produce pheromones, then a defensive function is a possibility as this has been demonstrated in some Trichoptera (Duffield et al. 1977); this function was also suggested by Kozlov and Zvereva (1999). Furthermore, several species of Trichoptera produce substances (e.g.…”

“…2001, 2002), but this does not explain the function of the sternum V gland in the males. Based on the presence of the sternum V gland in both sexes, several authors have suggested a defensive function for the gland (Eltringham 1934; Kristensen 1972, 1984; Davis 1975, 1978; Kozlov and Zvereva 1999). There are some data on the function of the sternum V gland in male Trichoptera: aggregation pheromones produced by some male Hydropsyche (Hydropsychidae) (Löfstedt et al.…”

“…The only study to investigate the function of the sternum V gland in male Lepidoptera was Kozlov and Zvereva (1999) in representatives of Micropterigidae. However, Kozlov and Zvereva (1999) focused on pheromones and concluded that neither sex produced pheromones. My experiments using either male or female Epimartyria auricrinella as bait in livetraps supports this conclusion; see Supporting information for details.…”

“…adults often congregate on flowers. Kozlov and Zvereva (1999) observed that Sabatinca moths have a highly uneven distribution and suggested that ‘swarming’ males search for females using visual cues. Thus, visual recognition of potential mates might be the general rule in Micropterigidae.…”