Behavioural regulator and molecular reception of a double‐edge‐sword hunter beetle

BACKGROUND The black carabid beetle Calosoma maximoviczi is a successful predator that serves as both a beneficial insect and a severe threat to economic herbivores. Its hunting technique relies heavily on olfaction, but the underlying mechanism has not been studied. Here, we report the electrophysiological, ecological and molecular traits of bioactive components identified from a comprehensive panel of natural odorants in the beetle–prey–plant system. The aim of this work was to investigate olfactory perceptions and their influence on the behaviours of C. maximoviczi. RESULTS Among the 200 identified volatiles, 18 were concentrated in beetle and prey samples, and 14 were concentrated in plants. Insect feeding damage to plants led to a shift in the emission fingerprint. Twelve volatiles were selected using successive electrophysiological tests. Field trials showed that significant sex differences existed when trapping with a single chemical or chemical mixture. Expression profiles indicated that sex‐biased catches were related to the expression of 15 annotated CmaxOBPs and 40 CmaxORs across 12 chemosensory organs. In silico evaluations were conducted with 16 CmaxORs using modelling and docking. Better recognition was predicted for the pairs CmaxOR5–(Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate, CmaxOR6–β‐caryophyllene, CmaxOR18–(E)‐β‐ocimene and CmaxOR18–tetradecane, with higher binding affinity and a suitable binding pocket. Lastly, 168Y in CmaxOR6 and 142Y in CmaxOR18 were predicted as key amino acid residues for binding β‐caryophyllene and tetradecane, respectively. CONCLUSION This work provides an example pipeline for de novo investigation in C. maximoviczi baits and the underlying olfactory perceptions. The results will benefit the future development of trapping‐based integrated pest management strategies and the deorphanization of odorant receptors in ground beetles. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. The tracing ability of Calosoma maximoviczi was driven by 12 of 200 volatiles found by screening a comprehensive panel of samples. Odorant receptors were related to behavioural decisions by the beetles.