Pheromone gland components of some Australian tortricids in relation to their taxonomy

A survey has been carried out to identify the major sex pheromone gland components in 30 species of Australian tortricid moths. While more than half the species examined have (Z)-11-, (E)-11-, and/or (Z)-9-tetrade-cenyl acetates as the principal components, these compounds were not detected in some plesiomorphic taxa where combinations of (Z)-5 and (Z)-7 or (Z)-8 and (Z)-10 isomers are present. The results are discussed in relation to tortricid classification and current theories on pheromone evolution.