Functional Characterization of Pheromone Receptors in the Beet Webworm, Loxostege sticticalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Lepidopteran insects mainly rely on sex pheromones to complete sexual communications. Pheromone receptors (PRs) are expressed the olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) of sensilla trichodea and play an essential role in communication. Despite extensive investigations into mechanisms peripheral recognition Lepidoptera, knowledge about these L. sticticalis remains limited. In this study, five candidate LstiPRs were analyzed a phylogenetic tree with those other insects. Electroantennography (EAG) assays showed that major pheromone component E11-14:OAc elicited stronger antennal response than compounds male moths. Moreover, two types classified by single sensillum recordings, which “a” neuron specifically responded E11-14:OAc. Five PRs functionally assayed heterologous expression system Xenopus oocytes, LstiPR2 Our findings suggest is PR sensitive sticticalis’s compound, Furthermore, study offers valuable insights communication behavior sticticalis, forming foundation for further analysis species’ central nervous system.