Differences between single cell responses to different components of the sex pheromone in males of the lightbrown apple moth ( Epiphyas postvittana )

Single cell responses, elicited by each of three components of the pheromone blend of the lightbrown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana (Walker) (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae), exhibit significant differences in disadaptation rates and effect of stimulation on the spontaneous generation of spikes upon removal of the stimulus. The major component has a disadaptation rate of a few seconds and a sustained effect on the rate of spontaneous spike generation upon removal of the stimulus. Faster disadaptation rates and sharp reduction in the spike rate upon removal of stimulus, were observed for one minor component, 12: Ac, and suggests a likely role in close‐range orientation to the female. The second minor component produces two types of response, one of which resembles the major component. The other, more common response, exhibits a very slow rate of disadaptation, of the order of minutes. This characteristic also may have some bearing on search strategies.