A volatile chemical-based butterfly adult moth sex attractant and methods of making and using the same

Abstract

This invention discloses a butterfly adult directional attractant based on volatile chemical substances, along with its preparation and application methods. The invention uses a combination of readily available chemical reagents, such as linalool, as volatile signaling substances to efficiently induce various butterfly adults, including the Common Mormon and the Citrus Swallowtail, which use citrus plants (Rutaceae family) as hosts, to complete forward directional movements through flight or walking. This method can induce the synchronized directional movements of multiple butterflies of various species at a relatively low cost, and has significant practical value for human-butterfly interaction projects in ecological landscape construction and recreational experience settings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of insect attractant technology, and in particular to a directional attractant for adult butterflies based on volatile chemical substances, as well as its preparation and application methods. Background Technology

[0002] The Common Mormon (Papilio spp.) and the Citrus Swallowtail (Citrus spp.) are butterfly species that use plants of the genus Citrus in the Rutaceae family as hosts. These butterflies are prized for their beautiful shapes, vibrant colors, and elegant flight, making them highly ornamental. Mature, large-scale breeding techniques exist for them, making them important live display species in butterfly gardens and nature education. Directional attraction of these butterflies has significant ecological and experiential value, effectively creating spectacular butterfly swarms, enabling close interaction between humans and butterflies, enhancing the fun and impact of nature education, and significantly revitalizing the regional landscape.

[0003] Currently, there is no technology that allows chemical substances to induce various adult butterflies to perform directional movements by flying or walking. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Objectives of the Invention: The first objective of this invention is to provide a butterfly adult directional attractant based on volatile chemical substances that can induce synchronous directional movement of multiple butterflies of various species; the second objective of this invention is to provide a method for preparing the butterfly adult directional attractant; and the third objective of this invention is to provide a method for using the butterfly adult directional attractant.

[0005] To achieve the first objective mentioned above, the technical solution for the attractant provided by this invention is as follows:

[0006] The attractant of this invention comprises a matrix component and a volatile signaling component, wherein the volatile signaling component is composed of linalool and geraniol or citronellol. The chemical reagent combination with linalool as the core acts as the volatile signal, inducing adult butterflies to complete directional movement through flight or walking.

[0007] The adult butterflies mentioned are species such as the Common Mormon (Papilio spp.) and the Citrus Swallowtail (Papilio spp.), which use plants of the Rutaceae family and the Citrus genus as hosts. The matrix components are selected from n-hexane and jojoba oil. The volatile signal is composed of linalool and geraniol, with a mass ratio of linalool to geraniol of 2:1 to 1:1. The volatile signal is also composed of linalool and citronellol, with a mass ratio of linalool to citronellol of 2:1.

[0008] Preferably, the attractant is a liquid attractant, the matrix component is n-hexane, and the concentration of the volatile signal component that induces movement in n-hexane is 10 g / L.

[0009] To achieve the second objective mentioned above, the technical solution for the preparation method of the attractant provided by the present invention is as follows:

[0010] The attractant described in this invention is a liquid attractant, which is prepared by mixing a volatile signaling component with n-hexane at room temperature to obtain a liquid attractant.

[0011] Preferably, the signaling substances are weighed and mixed at room temperature according to the required mass fraction, and then diluted with n-hexane to 10 g / L to prepare a liquid inducer.

[0012] The attractant described in this invention is a paste attractant, which is prepared by mixing jojoba oil and beeswax, heating and stirring until the beeswax is completely dissolved to obtain a matrix; then adding volatile signaling components to the matrix, mixing well, and obtaining the paste attractant.

[0013] Preferably, jojoba oil and beeswax are mixed in a certain proportion, heated and stirred in a 75°C water bath until the beeswax is completely dissolved; then cooled to about 55°C, the signal substance is weighed out according to the mass fraction and added, and the mixture is thoroughly mixed to obtain the ointment attractant.

[0014] To achieve the third objective mentioned above, the technical solution for the method of using the attractant provided by the present invention is as follows:

[0015] The attractant described in this invention is a liquid attractant, and its usage method is as follows: first, fix the filter paper strip near the target site, then drop the liquid attractant onto the filter paper strip, and control the amount of drop to make the reagent diffuse on the filter paper strip to form a uniform circular wetting area with a diameter of 2~3cm.

[0016] In this method, the n-hexane solution is applied to a circular filter paper with a diameter greater than 3 cm before attracting butterflies. Before adding the reagent, the filter paper strip is fixed within 2 m of the target site for directional attraction. Ten minutes before attraction, the reagent is drawn up using a pipette or dropper and added to the filter paper strip in 20 μL increments. The amount added is controlled to ensure that the reagent diffuses on the filter paper strip to form a uniform circular wetting area with a diameter of 2-3 cm.

[0017] The operating conditions are: temperature 20~30℃, light intensity 2000~3000 lux, and humidity RH 50~80%.

[0018] The attractant described in this invention is a paste attractant, and its usage method is as follows: first, fix the filter paper strip near the target site, take the attractant paste and evenly apply it to the filter paper strip, and control the amount of application so that the paste forms an odor release area with a diameter of about 2-3 cm on the filter paper strip.

[0019] To prepare the attractant paste, take 0.1g and apply it evenly to a strip of filter paper wider than 2cm. Before application, fix the filter paper strip within 1m of the target site for directional attraction. Ten minutes before attraction, use a coating spatula to evenly apply 0.1g of the paste to the filter paper strip, controlling the amount applied to create an odor release area with a diameter of approximately 2-3cm on the filter paper strip.

[0020] The operating conditions are: temperature 20~30℃, light intensity 2000~3000 lux, and humidity RH 50~80%.

[0021] This invention presents the first method for constructing a volatile signaling substance based on linalool to induce directional movement in various adult butterflies through flight or walking. This method can induce synchronized directional movement in multiple butterflies of various species at a relatively low cost, and has significant practical value for human-butterfly interaction projects in ecological landscape construction and recreational experience scenarios.

[0022] Beneficial Effects: Compared with existing technologies, this invention has the following significant advantages: Reduced Induction Costs: By using a combination of volatile signaling reagents with mature synthesis technology and readily available sources, linalool as the core, the induction costs are reduced; Improved Induction Efficiency: This method can efficiently induce adult butterflies such as the Common Mormon and the Citrus Swallowtail to complete directional movement through flight or walking; Wide Application Scenarios: It has significant practical value for human-butterfly interaction projects in ecological landscape construction and leisure experience scenarios, enhancing the fun and appeal of nature education; Technological Innovation: For the first time, a volatile signaling substance with linalool as the core has been constructed, achieving directional movement of various adult butterflies, filling a gap in existing technologies in this area; Therefore, this invention is not only technologically innovative but also has significant economic and social benefits in practical applications, and has important practical value for human-butterfly interaction projects in ecological landscape construction and leisure experience scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This image shows the effect of using filter paper strips with a solution of 10 g / L linalool and geraniol (mass fraction 2:1) in n-hexane to induce citrus swallowtail butterflies to fly in a directional swarm in the target direction (high-speed camera image). Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Example 1: Directional induction of citrus swallowtail butterfly movement using 10 g / L linalool and geraniol in a 1:1 mass ratio.

[0026] Test insect: Citrus swallowtail butterfly Papilio xuthus (Linnaeus);

[0027] Solvent (matrix): n-hexane (purity ≥98%), prepared as a 10 g / L solution of linalool and geraniol (mass fraction 1:1) using n-hexane solution;

[0028] Source of insects: 50 healthy adult citrus swallowtail butterflies, 3-5 days after emergence, used for 5 test replicates (10 insects each time).

[0029] Implementation environment: Temperature 25±1℃, light intensity 2200±100lux, humidity RH 60±5%, length and width are both 2m, height is 2.5m, and it is a closed space with a door that can be opened on one side;

[0030] Implementation objective: To guide the citrus swallowtail butterfly from one side wall of a confined space to the opposite side wall, so that it moves to a distance of ≤0.25 m from the filter paper, or hovers around the filter paper for ≥10 seconds;

[0031] Reagent usage: Use double-sided tape to fix a circular filter paper strip with a diameter of 11cm to the induction point on the opposite side wall 1.5m from the ground. Use a pipette to draw 20μL of the pre-prepared reagent solution and add it to the filter paper strip. Let it stand for 2 minutes to evaporate.

[0032] The shortest reaction time was 15s (the five times were 25s, 20s, 16s, 30s, and 15s respectively).

[0033] The highest directional movement rate was 90% (the five times were 80%, 90%, 70%, 80%, and 80% respectively).

[0034] Example 2: Directional induction of citrus swallowtail butterfly movement using 10 g / L linalool and geraniol in a 2:1 mass ratio.

[0035] Test insect: Citrus swallowtail butterfly Papilio xuthus (Linnaeus);

[0036] Reagent: n-hexane (purity ≥98%), prepared into a solution of linalool and geraniol with a mass concentration of 10 g / L using n-hexane solution;

[0037] Source of insects: 50 healthy adult citrus swallowtail butterflies, 3-5 days after emergence, used for 5 test replicates (10 insects each time).

[0038] Implementation environment: Temperature 24±1℃, light intensity 2300±100lux, humidity RH 64±5%, length and width are both 2m, height is 2.5m, and it is a closed space with a door that can be opened on one side;

[0039] Implementation objective: To guide the citrus swallowtail butterfly from one side wall of a confined space to the opposite side wall, so that it moves to a distance of ≤0.25 m from the filter paper, or hovers around the filter paper for ≥10 seconds;

[0040] Reagent usage: Use double-sided tape to fix a circular filter paper strip with a diameter of 11cm to the induction point on the opposite side wall 1.5m from the ground. Use a pipette to draw 20μL of the pre-prepared reagent solution and add it to the filter paper strip. Let it stand for 2 minutes to evaporate.

[0041] The shortest reaction time was 17s (the five times were 16s, 17s, 24s, 34s, and 24s respectively).

[0042] The highest directional movement rate was 90% (the five times were 80%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 90% respectively).

[0043] Example 3: Directional induction of citrus swallowtail butterfly movement using 10 g / L linalool and citronellol in a 2:1 mass ratio.

[0044] Test insect: Citrus swallowtail butterfly Papilio xuthus (Linnaeus);

[0045] Reagent: n-hexane (purity ≥98%), dissolved in n-hexane to prepare a 10 g / L solution of linalool and citronellol (mass fraction 2:1);

[0046] Source of insects: 50 healthy adult citrus swallowtail butterflies, 3-5 days after emergence, used for 5 test replicates (10 insects each time).

[0047] Implementation environment: Temperature 26±1℃, light intensity 2400±100lux, humidity RH 63±5%, length and width are 2m, height is 2.5m, and it is a closed space with a door that can be opened on one side;

[0048] Implementation objective: To guide the citrus swallowtail butterfly from one side wall of a confined space to the opposite side wall, so that it moves to a distance of ≤0.25 m from the filter paper, or hovers around the filter paper for ≥10 seconds;

[0049] Reagent usage: Use double-sided tape to fix a circular filter paper strip with a diameter of 11cm to the induction point on the opposite side wall 1.5m from the ground. Use a pipette to draw 20μL of the pre-prepared reagent solution and add it to the filter paper strip. Let it stand for 2 minutes to evaporate.

[0050] The shortest reaction time was 22s (the five times were 22s, 31s, 27s, 26s, and 25s respectively).

[0051] The highest directional movement rate was 80% (the five times were 80%, 70%, 80%, 80%, and 70% respectively).

[0052] Example 4: Directional induction of the movement of the Common Swallowtail butterfly using a jojoba oil paste containing linalool and geraniol in a 1:1 mass ratio.

[0053] Test insect: Common Mormon (P. polytes, Linnaeus);

[0054] Ingredients: Jojoba oil (purity ≥98%), beeswax (cosmetic grade), formulated into a paste using jojoba oil and beeswax with linalool and geraniol (mass fraction 1:1);

[0055] Source of insects: 50 healthy adult Common Swallowtail butterflies, 3-5 days after emergence, were used for 5 replicate tests (10 insects each time).

[0056] Implementation environment: Temperature 23±1℃, light intensity 2500±100lux, humidity RH 61±5%, length, width and height are all 1m, and it is a closed space with a door that can be opened on one side;

[0057] Implementation objective: To guide the Common Mormon butterfly from one side wall of a confined space to the opposite side wall, so that it moves to a distance of ≤0.25 m from the filter paper, or hovers around the filter paper for ≥10 seconds;

[0058] Reagent usage: Use double-sided tape to fix a 2cm wide strip of filter paper to the induction point on the opposite wall 0.5m from the ground. Use a coating scraper to evenly apply the prepared 0.1g jojoba oil paste onto the filter paper strip and let it stand to evaporate for 2 minutes.

[0059] The shortest reaction time was 27s (the five times were 27s, 34s, 42s, 36s, and 31s respectively).

[0060] The highest directional movement rate was 60% (the five times were 60%, 50%, 50%, 60%, and 40% respectively).

[0061] Example 5: Directional induction of the movement of the Common Swallowtail butterfly using a jojoba oil paste containing linalool and geraniol in a mass ratio of 2:1.

[0062] Test insect: Common Mormon (P. polytes, Linnaeus);

[0063] Ingredients: Jojoba oil (purity ≥98%), beeswax (cosmetic grade), formulated into an ointment using jojoba oil and beeswax with linalool and geraniol (mass fraction 2:1);

[0064] Source of insects: 50 healthy adult Common Swallowtail butterflies, 3-5 days after emergence, were used for 5 replicate tests (10 insects each time).

[0065] Implementation environment: Temperature 22±1℃, light intensity 2100±100lux, humidity RH 66±5%, length, width and height are all 1m, and it is a closed space with a door that can be opened on one side;

[0066] Implementation objective: To guide the Common Mormon butterfly from one side wall of a confined space to the opposite side wall, so that it moves to a distance of ≤0.25 m from the filter paper, or hovers around the filter paper for ≥10 seconds;

[0067] Reagent usage: Use double-sided tape to fix a 2cm wide strip of filter paper to the induction point on the opposite wall 0.5m from the ground. Use a coating scraper to evenly apply the prepared 0.1g jojoba oil paste onto the filter paper strip and let it stand to evaporate for 2 minutes.

[0068] The shortest reaction time was 24s (the five times were 24s, 36s, 29s, 29s, and 39s respectively).

[0069] The highest directional movement rate was 70% (the five times were 60%, 70%, 60%, 60%, and 70% respectively).

[0070] Example 6: Directional induction of the movement of the Common Bluebottle butterfly using a jojoba oil paste containing linalool and citronellol in a mass ratio of 2:1.

[0071] Test insect: Common Mormon (P. polytes, Linnaeus);

[0072] Ingredients: Jojoba oil (purity ≥98%), beeswax (cosmetic grade). A paste made of linalool and citronellol (mass fraction 2:1) was prepared using jojoba oil and beeswax.

[0073] Source of insects: 50 healthy adult Common Swallowtail butterflies, 3-5 days after emergence, were used for 5 replicate tests (10 insects each time).

[0074] Implementation environment: Temperature 20±1℃, light intensity 2450±100lux, humidity RH 65±5%, length, width and height are all 1m, and it is a closed space with a door that can be opened on one side;

[0075] Implementation objective: To guide the Common Mormon butterfly from one side wall of a confined space to the opposite side wall, so that it moves to a distance of ≤0.25 m from the filter paper, or hovers around the filter paper for ≥10 seconds;

[0076] Reagent usage: Use double-sided tape to fix a 2cm wide strip of filter paper to the induction point on the opposite wall 0.5m from the ground. Use a coating scraper to evenly apply the prepared 0.1g jojoba oil paste onto the filter paper strip and let it stand to evaporate for 2 minutes.

[0077] The shortest reaction time was 27s (the five times were 27s, 32s, 39s, 33s, and 36s respectively).

[0078] The highest directional movement rate was 60% (the five times were 50%, 40%, 60%, 50%, and 40% respectively).

[0079] Comparative Example 1

[0080] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that 10 g / L linalool was used to induce the movement of the citrus swallowtail butterfly, while the remaining steps and parameters were the same as in Example 1.

[0081] The shortest reaction time was 30 seconds (the five times were 35 seconds, 30 seconds, 36 seconds, 40 seconds, and 45 seconds respectively).

[0082] The highest directional movement rate was 50% (the five times were 50%, 40%, 50%, 30%, and 40% respectively).

[0083] Comparative Example 2

[0084] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that geraniol with a mass fraction of 10 g / L was used to orient the movement of the citrus swallowtail butterfly, while the remaining steps and parameters were the same as in Example 1.

[0085] The shortest reaction time was 34s (the five times were 34s, 36s, 38s, 37s, and 45s respectively).

[0086] The highest directional movement rate was 60% (the five times were 60%, 50%, 40%, 40%, and 40% respectively).

[0087] Comparative Example 3

[0088] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that citronellal at a mass fraction of 10 g / L was used to induce the movement of the citrus swallowtail butterfly, while the remaining steps and parameters were the same as in Example 1.

[0089] The shortest reaction time was 32s (the five times were 35s, 32s, 40s, 32s, and 42s respectively).

[0090] The highest directional movement rate was 40% (the five times were 40%, 40%, 30%, 40%, and 30% respectively).

[0091] By comparing the induction results of Examples 1 and 3 with those of Comparative Examples 1-3, it was found that, in terms of directional migration rate, the directional migration rate induced by the combined use of linalool and geraniol was significantly greater than that induced by either of them alone, indicating a synergistic effect between linalool and geraniol; the directional migration rate induced by the combined use of linalool and citronellol was significantly greater than that induced by either of them alone, indicating a synergistic effect between linalool and citronellol.

[0092] The above embodiments are only used to explain the technical solutions of this application and do not limit the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A volatile chemical-based adult butterfly sex pheromone directional lure, characterized in that, The attractant comprises a matrix component and a volatile signaling component, wherein the volatile signaling component is composed of linalool and geraniol or citronellol.

2. The volatile chemical-based butterfly adult moth sex attractant of claim 1, wherein, The butterfly adults mentioned are adult butterflies that use plants of the genus Citrus in the family Rutaceae as hosts.

3. The volatile chemical-based butterfly adult moth sex pheromone orientation lure of claim 1, wherein, The matrix components are selected from n-hexane and jojoba oil.

4. The volatile chemical-based butterfly adult moth sex pheromone orientation lure of claim 1, wherein, The volatile signal is composed of linalool and geraniol, with a mass ratio of linalool to geraniol of 2:1 to 1:

1.

5. The volatile chemical-based butterfly adult moth sex pheromone formulation of claim 1, wherein, The volatile signal is composed of linalool and citronellol, with a mass ratio of linalool to citronellol of 2:

1.

6. A method for preparing a volatile chemical-based butterfly adult moth sex attractant as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, The attractant is a liquid attractant, which is prepared by mixing a volatile signaling component with n-hexane at room temperature to obtain a liquid attractant.

7. A method for preparing a butterfly adult directional attractant based on volatile chemical substances as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The attractant is a paste attractant, which is prepared by mixing jojoba oil and beeswax, heating and stirring until the beeswax is completely dissolved to obtain a matrix; then adding volatile signaling components to the matrix, mixing well, and obtaining the paste attractant.

8. A method of using the butterfly adult directional attractant based on volatile chemical substances as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The attractant is a liquid attractant, and its usage method is as follows: first, fix the filter paper strip near the target site, then drop the liquid attractant onto the filter paper strip, and control the amount of drop to make the reagent spread on the filter paper strip to form a uniform circular wetting area with a diameter of 2~3cm.

9. A method of using the butterfly adult directional attractant based on any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The attractant is a paste-based attractant, and its application method is as follows: first, fix the filter paper strip near the target site, take the attractant paste and evenly apply it to the filter paper strip, and control the amount of application so that the paste forms an odor release area with a diameter of about 2 to 3 cm on the filter paper strip.

10. The method of use according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The operating conditions are: temperature 20~30℃, light intensity 2000~3000 lux, humidity RH 50~80%.

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