Calling behavior of almond moth (Ephestia cautella) females kept in glass cages and airborne pheromone deposited on glass surfaces by airstream.

The airborne pheromone emitted by calling almond moth (Ephestia cautella) females kept in individual glass cages was mainly adsorbed on the cage surface (60-65%), but sufficient pheromone was transferred by the airflow to the extended capillaries to be measured. Four calling positions of almond moth females in the glass cages were defined. The position in which the female faced the upwind flow and the gland was free to release the pheromone was the more commonly adopted position (39% of calling females). No significant difference was found in the blend proportion between capillary and cage washings in each calling position or between calling positions. The pheromone blend and amount emitted from each of five individual females was measured on three consecutive nights and both fluctuated during the 11 hr of collection, starting 3 hr before the onset of scotophase and continuing for 8 hr into it.