Pheromone receptor cells in the male moth Manduca sexta

Three types of pheromone receptor cells have been identified by electrophysiological recording from single antennal sensilla trichodea of the male sphinx moth Manduca sexta. These cells responded best to the pheromone components (E,Z)‐10,12‐hexadecadienal (type A receptor cell), (E,E,Z)‐10,12,14‐hexadecatrienal (type B), and (E,E,E)‐10,12,14‐hexadecatrienal (type C). Cell type B also responded to (E,Z)‐11,13‐pentadecadienal, which has been used experimentally as a pheromone substitute. In recordings from 20 trichoid hairs, 17 were found to be innervated by one cell of type A and one of type B; 3 trichoid hairs had cell types A and C.