Structural correlation between cuticular hydrocarbons and female contact sex pheromone of German cockroach Blattella germanica (L.)

The structural relationships between the cuticular hydrocarbons and the contact sex pheromone of the female German cockroach, Blattella germanica , were investigated. Cuticular hexane extracts were separated into hydrocarbon and ketone fractions. The ketone fraction (which contains the major contact sex pheromone component) was analyzed before and after reduction to hydrocarbon. In addition to 3,11-dimethyl-2-nonacosanone, 3,11-dimethyl-2-heptacosanone was also identified. Females have the 3,11- and 3,9-dimethyl C sub(27) and C sub(29) alkanes, but only the 3,11- isomer of the dimethylketones. In addition to hydrocarbon components previously reported, a number of new components were characterized.