The sex pheromone glands ofDermacentor variabilis (Say) andDermacentor andersoni stiles : Sex pheromone stored in neutral lipid.

Evidence is presented indicating the presence of the tick sex pheromone, 2,6-dichlorophenol in lipid droplets in the foveal glands ofDermacentor variabilis (Say) andDermacentor andersoni Stiles. The pheromone appears to be dissolved in the lipid droplets. The droplets consist of neutral lipids, mostly triacylglycerides and cholesterol esters. The esterified fatty acid profiles of foveal gland triacylgylcerides are different from those of other tissues examined or reported for other ticks. The percentage of shorter chain, mostly saturated fatty acids were decreased, while the longer chain polyunsaturated fatty acids were increased. The biological advantages of lipid solution for storage, translocation, and release of the sex pheromone from the female tick are discussed.