EFFECTS OF METHYLALKANES ON MALE HOUSE-FLY, MUSCA-DOMESTICA, SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR

Methylalkane fractions from the cuticular lipids of sexually mature female Musca domestica were bioassayed at a concentration of 1-2 female equivalents for their effects on male courtship behavior that was directed towards treated knots or thumb tacks, Two hydrocarbons, 2-methyltriacontane and 10,14-dimethyltriacontane, were identified in the active fractions and increased the total amount of time spent on male models from 126 s in the controls to 696 s for 2-methyltriacontane at 0.05 mu g and 732 s for 10,14-dimethyltriacontane at 0.25 mu g. The longest time per contact, 76.8 s, was found for models treated with 0.25 mu g of 10,14-dimethyltriacontane. Both of these materials also increased the number of contacts and copulatory attempts made with the treated models.