Abstract
In insects, sexual behavior depends on chemical and non-chemical cues that might play an important role in sexual isolation. In this review, we present current knowledge about sexual behavior in the Drosophila genus. We describe courtship and signals involved in sexual communication, with a special focus on sex pheromones. We examine the role of cuticular hydrocarbons as sex pheromones, their implication in sexual isolation, and their evolution. Finally, we discuss the roles of male cuticular non-hydrocarbon pheromones that act after mating: cis-vaccenyl acetate, developing on its controversial role in courtship behavior and long-chain acetyldienylacetates and triacylglycerides, which act as anti-aphrodisiacs in mated females.
Highlights
In insects, sexual behavior depends on chemical and non-chemical cues that might play an important role in sexual isolation
We review current knowledge about signals involved in sexual communication in Drosophila, with special focus on chemical signals
We describe Drosophila cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), examine their role as sex pheromones, their role in sexual isolation, and their evolution
Summary
While several studies have investigated the role of signals in insect communication, few reviews present all the factors involved in courtship behavior. The Drosophila genus is composed of a wide range of species, some of which are genetically close, living in different environments in allopatry or sympatry Their reproductive behavior is diverse in terms of sperm utilization, capacity for re-mating, or settling of courting [1]. Courtship choreography, illustrated, is as follows: when a male encounters a potential female mate, he orients toward her and taps her abdomen with one of his front legs This allows him to perceive her pheromonal characteristics. If he decides to pursue courtship, he follows her, extends the wing that is closest to her and produces a “love song” [6,7] He vibrates his abdomen, creating substrate-born vibrations that are transmitted to the female [8]. Signals emitted during courtship have characteristics, which are to a species specific or unique to a given population and are important for intra-specific recognition and reproductive success
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