Sex pheromone of Poecilocerus pictus (Fabricus) (acridoidea: pyrogomorphidae): I. Experimental identification and external morphology of the female sex pheromone gland.

Bioassay experiments showed the presence of sex pheromone in females of Poecilocerus pictus. It was further confirmed experimentally that the sex pheromone substances are secreted in the metathoracic and first two abdominal segments. Dissections of the females revealed the presence of a thin sac-like gland in the metathoracic segment. Ethernal extract of this gland was tested in a bioassaying apparatus to confirm its identity as a sex pheromone producing organ.