Ipsenol
Guides
Ips paraconfusus
California fivespined ips, California fivespined ip
Ips paraconfusus is a bark beetle species native to western North America, notable as the first bark beetle from which a pheromone was identified in 1967. Males produce aggregation pheromones ipsenol and ipsdienol primarily through de novo biosynthesis, with minor contribution from host-tree myrcene conversion. The species colonizes various pine species, with strong preference for ponderosa pine over non-host trees such as white fir.
Pityokteines
fir engraver beetles
Pityokteines is a genus of bark beetles (Scolytinae) known as fir engraver beetles. Species in this genus are significant pests of fir trees (Abies) and other conifers in the subfamily Abietoideae. Males initiate gallery construction and produce aggregation pheromones that regulate mass attack on host trees. The genus exhibits species-specific pheromone communication systems involving ipsenol and ipsdienol, which contribute to reproductive isolation among sympatric species.