Endogenous suppression of pheromone production in virgin female moths

Teal, P. E. A. ; Tumlinson, J. H. ; Oberlander, H.
Springer
Published 1990
ISSN:
1420-9071
Keywords:
Sex pheromone ; pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide ; bursa copulatrix ; Heliothis zea
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Sexual receptivity generally is reduced in moths after mating. We found that even in virginHeliothis zea females the titer of pheromone declines after the third night of adult life, although the number of eggs laid increases. Reduction in pheromone titer is not due to reduced amounts of ‘pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide’. We have discovered that a substance present in the bursa, ovaries and hemolymph of senescing virgins suppresses pheromone production. A similar factor was found in 2-day-old mated females indicating that both virgin and mated females use this factor to suppress pheromone production.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL: