Isolation and identification of two macrolide pheromones from the frass ofCryptolestes ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Cucujidae).

Two synergistic macrolide aggregation pheromones were isolated from Porapak Q-trapped volatiles obtained from the frass ofCryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens). These compounds were identified as (E,E)-4,8-dimethyl-4,8-decadien-10-olide (I) and (3Z,11S)-3-dodecen-11-olide (II) and given the trivial names ferrulactone I and II, respectively. Analysis of captured volatiles from separated male and female adults disclosed that the pheromones are male-produced. Additional macrolides were identified in frass volatiles, but were devoid of any pheromonal activity. The structures of I and II were confirmed by comparison with synthetic materials.