Lactones, sunflower moth

Homoeosoma electellum (Lepidoptera Pyralidae) - the sunflower moth. In contrast to L eridania and II. sanguinipes, H. electellum is a specialist which feeds on the inflorescences of a few species of the Asteraceae (4,. 51). Since sesquiterpene lactones are found in several parts of the infloresences of Helianthus species which are considered to be resistant to the sunflower moth (52). it was thought that these compounds might serve to limit the damage caused by this insect. 

Possible role of sesquiterpene lactones in resistance to the sunflower moth. 

Despite the usual antifeedant or toxic effects observed with other insects, larvae of the sunflower moth Homoesoma electellum, Lepidoptera Pyralidae), a specialist on species of sunflower (Helianthus), are able to feed on flower parts that contain appreciable amounts of sesquiterpene lactones (Gershenzon and Croteau, 1991). 

---