The endocrine control of mating behavior in the cockroach Byrsotria fumigata (Guérin)

Abstract

The mating behavior of the cockroach, Byrsotria fumigata is shown to be under endocrine control. Virgin females of this species produce a volatile sex attractant or sex pheromone. This substance appears to be of primary importance in the attraction of males and the subsequent release of their courting behavior. Experiments on the role of the corpora allata in the control of sex pheromone production show that: (a) adult females ordinarily fail to produce sex pheromone if their corpora allata have been removed shortly after the imaginal molt; (b) there is a high correlation between the production of sex pheromone and successful mating; (c) implantation of corpora allata into previously allatectomized females can induce pheromone production; (d) the production of sex pheromone appears to be the only aspect of the female's sexual behavior that is affected by allatectomy. Thus in addition to the promotion of oöcyte maturation and accessory sex gland secretion in the adult female cockroach, the corpora allata also regulate mating behavior through the control of sex pheromone production. The female reproductive cycle of Byrsotria is discussed in the light of this new information. Evidence suggestive of a role for the brain in the post imaginal molt reactivation of the corpora allata is presented. In contrast to the situation in the female, the corpora allata appear to play no role in the reproductive behavior of the male of Byrsotria.