Chemical Attractants for Adult Drosophila Species 1

The development of chemical attractants as baits for Drosophila species is described. A large series of compounds was first tested by means of vial traps in closed containers. The more promising compounds and mixtures were tested by exposure in bottle traps in a closed room. These room tests demonstrated that mixtures were more effective than any one compound. A selection of the Lest compounds and mixtures was given field tests in a humid region with abundant vegetation. The most effective mixture found consisted of malt extract 5%, ethyl alcohol 0.5%, skatole 0.02% and acetal 1%. In field trials, 380 cc. of the attractant solution was mixed with 240 grams of finely ground peat and 40 grams of alfalfa meal to form a paste.