Sexual role reversal in mate-finding strategies of the cabbage looper moth.

The mate-finding behavior of the cabbage looper moth Trichoplusia ni (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) includes both female- and male-produced sex pheromones used in distinct mate-finding strategies. Both sexes release multicomponent pheromones attractive to the opposite sex. Male pheromone is comprised of d-linalool, m-cresol, and p-cresol released from abdominal hair pencils. Males exposed to host plant odor or to the female sex pheromone (Z)-7-dodecen-1-ol acetate are more attractive to females, suggesting stimulation of male pheromone release.