Abstract
Recent research has demonstrated extensive within-species variation in pheromone expression in insect species, contrary to the view that pheromones are largely invariant within species. In fact, many studies on insect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) show that pheromones can be highly dynamic traits that can express significant short-term plasticity across both abiotic and social environments. It is likely that this variability in CHC expression contributes to their important role in sexual signaling and mate choice. In this review, I discuss CHC plasticity and how this might influence sexual communication. I also highlight two important avenues for future research: examining plasticity in how individuals respond to CHC signals, and testing how sexual communication varies across abiotic and social environments.
Highlights
IntroductionCuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) have a fundamental protective role and contribute to resistance to desiccation [1,2]
Across many insect species, cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) have a fundamental protective role and contribute to resistance to desiccation [1,2]
Male D. simulans reared on different types of diet showed differences in some components of their CHC profiles, and these differences were mirrored by differences in male attractiveness to females [14]
Summary
Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) have a fundamental protective role and contribute to resistance to desiccation [1,2]. A large body of research has examined the role of the insect CHC profile to allow species recognition, enabling insects to identify conspecifics as potential mates (summarized in [4]). The fundamental protective role of CHCs on the insect cuticle, natural selection is thought to favour the production of desiccation resistant compounds (i.e., long-chained, non-volatile CHCs that prevent water loss [19,20]). I consider plasticity across both abiotic and social environmental gradients, as well as the potential for complex interactions and trade-offs between the various forms of selection, and my discussion focuses on the implications of within-species CHC plasticity for sexual signalling in insects
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
