Aggregation Pheromones of Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): Advances in the Identification and Potential Uses in Semiochemical-Based Pest Management Strategies

Abstract

With approximately 83,000 species described, Curculionidae is the largest family of beetles, comprising more than 80% of all weevil species worldwide. Many species of Curculionidae attack a wide range of native and orchards crops, as well as globally important stored products such as grains, flour, and seeds, being responsible for significant environmental and economic losses. This work provides an overview of the research in the identification of aggregation pheromones of Curculionidae, and their potential contributions to the development of semiochemical-based pest management strategies. The synergistic effect of the host plant volatiles in the attractiveness of weevil pheromones is also briefly reported, demonstrating the important role of these additional attractants in the chemical communication of curculionids.

Keywords: Aggregation pheromones; Chemical ecology; Curculionidae; Weevils.