Host-marking pheromones in lepidoptera, with special reference to twoPieris spp.

Adult females of several lepidopteran species avoid oviposition near conspecific eggs. Laboratory and field studies indicate that visual factors as well as chemical host markers may be involved in egg avoidance behavior. The oviposition-deterring pheromones (ODP) of two pierids,P. brassicae andP. rapae have been studied in considerable detail. The ODPs are probably produced in the female accessory glands and contain volatile and nonvolatile components. They are perceived by nonspecialized antennal or tarsal receptors, respectively. The ODP ofP. brassicae affects oviposition ofP. rapae females and vice versa. ODPs show promise for insect control programs, but more information on oviposition behavior in the presence of ODP under field conditions is required.