9tricosene

(9Z)-Tricosene is a pheromone released by insects, including D. melanogaster, M. domestica (house fly), and A. mellifera L. (honey bee). In Drosophila, it induces aggregation behavior and is an oviposition guidance cue for females. Due to its aggregation-inducing activity, it is used as a bait pesticide to attract insects to traps. The mechanism of action in Drosophila is the activation of antennal basiconic Or7a receptors. It is also highly produced by honey bees during the waggle dance, which is a complex communication process used to alert nest-mates of the location and profitability of a food source. When injected into a hive, (9Z)-tricosene induced foraging behavior.