| The nipa palm hispid Octodonta nipae (Maulik) is a species of invasive pests, which can cause serious damage to palms.To clarify the effects of age and sex on cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) in O. nipae adults, the components and contents of CHCs from O. nipae male and female adults at different ages were analyzed by chemical extraction and gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The results indicated some differences in the content of some CHCs components from O. nipae adults of different age and sex, but the CHCs profiles showed similarities. Total of 21 hydrocarbons, ranging from C18 to C30, were separated from the epidermis of O. nipae adults, including 11 nalkanes, 2 monomethyl alkanes, 1 polymethyl alkane, 3 nalkenes, 1 monomethyl alkene and 3 cycloalkanes.There were significant differences in the content of n-C24, n-C26, 2-meC19 ane, and 1-C20ene, among O. nipaemale or female adults at 1 d, 5 d, 10 d and 15 d after eclosionCHCs of O. nipae adults presented sexual dimorphism. The content of some chemicals, containing n-C20, n-C21, n-C24, n-C26, 2-meC19 ane, 10-meC20 ane, 1-C20 ene, and 1-C22ene, from the mature male adults were significantly higher than those of mature females. Our findings provided a support for the quick identification of closely related species, age, sex and sexual maturity of O. nipae during border inspection and quarantine. |
