Biological amplification for increasing electroantennogram discrimination between two female sex pheromones ofSpodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

MaleSpodoptera littoralis stimulated by a mixture ofS. littoralis female sex pheromone with a positional isomer and by the pheromone alone, gave greatly amplified electroantennograms (EAGs) when the antennae were connected in series. The technique is described and examples are given of its use in screening extracts for EAG activity. Dose-response curves obtained with this technique are presented and discussed. Through biological amplification, EAG discrimination between the pheromones was increased.