Image of the Week - 03 May 2005

Pheromone Gland

SEM image of a pheromone gland on the prothorax of the redheaded ash borer, Neoclytus acuminatus acuminatus. Males of this beetle species emit a long-range aggregation pheromone, which is produced by modified epidermal cells and released through the pores at the bottoms and sides of shallow pits (pictured). Female redheaded ash borers lack pheromone glands. By understanding pheromone use in this and related species, we hope to gain insight into the ecology of these potential pests.

Image Courtesy: Annie Ray, Hanks Lab, Department of Entomology

Contact: annray@life.uiuc.edu