Abstract
Two- to 12-day-old larvae ofBlattella germanica are repelled by certain volatile fatty acids present in the frass. Propionic, isovaleric, and valeric acids are strongly repellent, isobutyric acid is slightly repellent, and acetic and butyric acids are without effect. These results are discussed in relation to control of population density.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Ishii, S. 1967. An aggregation pheromone of the German cockroach,Blattella germanica L. (Orthoptera: Blattellidae) I. Site of the pheromone production.Appl. Entomol. Zool. 2:203–217.
Ishii, S. 1970. An aggregation pheromone of the German cockroach,Batlella germanica L. II. Species specificity of the pheromone.Appl. Entomol. Zool. 5:33–41.
McFarlane, J.E., andAlli, I. 1984. The volatile fatty acids of the frass of certain omnivorous and phytophagous insects. In preparation.
McFarlane, J.E., Steeves, E., andAlli, I. 1983. Aggregation of larvae of the house cricket,Acheta domesticus (L.), by propionic acid present in the excreta.J. Chem. Ecol. 9:1307–1315.
Sexton, O.J., andHess, E.H. 1968. A pheromone-like dispersant affecting the local distribution of the European house cricket.Acheta domesticus. Biol. Bull. 134:490–502.
Watler, D. 1979. Influence of social experience on development of individuals ofAcheta domesticus (L.), the house cricket, and someGryllus species (Orthoptera: Gryllidae). PhD thesis. University of Alberta, xxii + 159 p.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
McFarlane, J.E. Repellent effect of volatile fatty acids of frass on larvae of german cockroach,Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae). J Chem Ecol 10, 1617–1622 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00988429
Received:
Revised:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00988429