Demonstration of sex pheromones in caddisflies (Trichoptera)

Field tests with live, caged females and whole-body extracts of females of the caddisflyGumaga griseola (McLachlan) (Trichoptera: Sericostomatidae) demonstrate, for the first time, the existence of a chemically mediated sexual communication system in this insect order. Both live females and extracts are significantly more attractive to conspecific males than either empty control traps or traps baited withGumaga nigricula (McLachlan) females. Anatomical structures suggest that semiochemicals are widespread in Trichoptera.