Receptor cells inIps typographus andDendroctonus micans specific to pheromones of the reciprocal genus

Olfactory receptor cells were studied electrophysiologically inIps typographus andDendroctonus micans. The investigation revealed cells which were keyed to pheromone compounds characteristic of the reciprocal genus. Thus, cells keyed toexo-brevicomin were found inI. typographus, whereas cells keyed to (+)-ipsdienol were present inD. micans. Laboratory behavioral tests indicated an attractive effect of the two compounds on beetles of the reciprocal genus. InI. typographus the effect ofexo-brevicomin predominantly concerned males and enhanced their response to the pheromone "ipslure." It is suggested thatexo-brevicomin serves as an interspecific attractant forI. typographus, which may be guided by pheromone compounds of the reciprocal genus in finding suitable breeding material. The function of (+)-ipsdienol inD. micans is more uncertain. It may be either a pheromone or an interspecific messenger.