Reproductive Behavior Research Articles

The Impact of COVID-19 on Fertility Rates in China: An Empirical Analysis Using ARIMA Modeling

Abstract: This paper conducts an in-depth empirical analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on fertility rates in China using ARIMA modeling and forecasting techniques. The study reveals a significant and fundamental decline in birth rates throughout the pandemic, indicating that the long-term downward trend is more pronounced than ever. This unprecedented drop underscores the severity and uniqueness of the COVID-19 crisis's influence on reproductive behavior. The findings align with prior research on the global economic and health challenges' effects, but the scale and speed of changes during the pandemic remain unparalleled. These dynamics highlight the necessity to reassess and strengthen population management strategies and healthcare systems, particularly in reproductive health and family planning services. Despite utilizing a comprehensive dataset, limitations regarding data scope and sample size persist. Future research should broaden data scope and sample size, analyze regional differences, undertake long-term longitudinal studies, and incorporate multivariable analysis to better understand the pandemic's impact on fertility decisions.

Addressing social norms for adolescent timing and spacing of pregnancy in low and middle-income countries: Developing a global research agenda.

Social norms shape adolescent sexual and reproductive health behaviours contributing to contraceptive and pregnancy outcomes. No global research agendas exist to guide research on adolescent social norms shifting in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We developed a social norms research agenda to improve adolescent healthy timing and spacing of pregnancy in LMICs. We adapted and applied the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) method. A group of researchers guided the process, and consulted with diverse experts to develop a list of 21 research questions for global stakeholders to score via an online survey. Survey participants scored each research question according to four criteria (fills key gap, feasible, impactful, equitable). Research priority scores (RPS) and average expert agreement (AEA) statistics were calculated for each question and analysed overall and by stakeholder region and profession. We received 185 survey responses. Participants were, on average, 44 years old, 64% were women, 70% were from LMICs and 47% were implementers. The RPS ranged from 52 to 81% (74% median) and the AEA ranged from 49 to 70% (58% median). Nearly 70% of stakeholders gave the same score to each of the top five research questions. The top five research priorities focused on effective norm-shifting interventions (NSIs) strategies, processes and indicators to NSIs, and NSI adaptation and scale-up. Using a collaborative and rigorous process with diverse representation from LMICs and implementers, we reached consensus on five priority research questions to guide future adolescent social norms research to improve healthy timing and spacing of pregnancy in LMICs.

Optimizing PIλDμ controller parameters using tree seed optimization for enhanced control performance and stability

This research article exploits the tree seed optimization algorithm to optimize the parameters of the fractional-order proportional–integral–derivative (FOPID) controller. The study focuses on designing an FOPID controller by imposing constraints on both the performance metrics and closed-loop amplitude ratio to achieve enhanced control system performance. The tree seed algorithm is inspired by the growth and reproductive behavior of trees and demonstrates its efficacy in finding optimal solutions within constrained search spaces. The optimization process involves formulating an objective function subject to the constraints on performance metrics and closed-loop amplitude ratio, reflecting both tracking performance and stability. Besides, inverted decoupling is used to reduce the interaction between the control loops and enable individual tuning of each loop for improved performance. Besides, the smallest disc perturbation is employed to determine the system’s stability. The proposed approach is implemented in various industrial processes to demonstrate its effectiveness in achieving desirable performance. The tree seed algorithm efficiently navigates the parameter space, thereby converging to ideal FOPID controller configurations that meet the specified constraints. Comparative studies with other methods highlight the improved performance and robustness obtained by the tree seed–based FOPID controller.

Assessing the Viability of Translocated Mongolian Dung Beetles (Gymnopleurus mopsus) for Ecological Restoration in Republic of Korea: An Analysis of Environmental Adaptability

This study investigates the reintroduction and ecological adaptation of the endangered dung beetle, Gymnopleurus mopsus, in South Korea, a region from which it has been absent since the 1970s. To facilitate this, we imported genetically identical populations of G. mopsus from Mongolia and embarked on a comprehensive restoration research project. A key focus of this endeavor was to evaluate the adaptability of these beetles to the local environment, an essential aspect of successful reintegration of species from foreign ecosystems. Under meticulously controlled field cage conditions, we conducted an in-depth monitoring of the life history traits of G. mopsus. This monitoring revealed that the adult beetles, which entered hibernation in September 2019, began emerging in stages from late April to May 2020. Following hibernation, we observed that the adults engaged in reproductive activities from late-May until early-August, with the emergence of the first-generation (F1) adults occurring from late-July to mid-September. This led to a notable tripling in population size, increasing from 34 to 109 individuals. The successful survival and reproductive behaviors of these Mongolian dung beetles in the climatic conditions of Korea suggest a promising potential for their adaptation when reintroduced into native habitats. We are now directing our efforts towards long-term monitoring, focusing on the survival and reproductive efficacy of these new generations, to further validate the success of this ecological restoration project.

Is it beneficial to be a city dweller? Impact of urban conditions on red fox reproduction

AbstractVarious species inhabit cities around the world, and numerous changes in their biology can be observed. Among them, changes in the time of reproduction or productivity are often recorded in urban populations. Firstly, we compared selected reproductive features (i.e., litter size and time of breeding) of two red fox (Vulpes vulpes) populations, one living in the city of Warsaw and the other inhabiting a forest‐field mosaic in Central Poland. Secondly, we investigated fox reproductive and social behaviour in an extensive camera trap study in Warsaw (2018–2021). By means of generalized linear mixed effects models, we identified which factors (fox social group size, share of natural food, and level of urbanization, created by using principal components analysis for habitat and landscape variables) affected the reproduction and/or social group size of urban foxes. We found that urban foxes started breeding about 2 weeks earlier than their rural counterparts and produced bigger litters (3.98 vs. 3.48 cubs). Opposite to rural foxes where only pairs of adult foxes were reported, in the urban population, social groups were observed with a mean number of 2.37 individuals. Interestingly, none of the studied factors affected group size or litter size in urban foxes, while breeding time was influenced by the level of urbanization and share of natural food. Earlier reproduction in urban areas is fairly frequently observed and may be attributed to altered environmental conditions in urban habitats, while higher productivity is probably a consequence of higher food availability.

First Records of the Vanishing Silhouette Goby Silhouettea evanida (Pisces: Actinopterygii: Gobiidae) from the South China Sea, with Notes on Reproductive Behavior of the Species

First Records of the Vanishing Silhouette Goby Silhouettea evanida (Pisces: Actinopterygii: Gobiidae) from the South China Sea, with Notes on Reproductive Behavior of the Species

Concepts of reproductive behaviour and motherhood in Soviet cinema of the 1920–1930s

The article examines representations of motherhood and reproductive behaviour in Soviet cinema from Revolution 1917 to the mid-1930s (films “Children are the Flowers of Life”, “The Road to Happiness”, “Katka's Reinette Apples”, “Bed and Sofa”, etc.) through the study of the reproductive choice mechanism, demonstration of pregnancy, childbirth and child care. Conclusions are drawn about the presence of several main conceptual frameworks, such as happy Soviet motherhood as opposed to pre-revolutionary motherhood; the unreliability of the parental function of the biological father, but the support of the collective and the acquisition of a new partner, which means the creation of a two-parents family; transition from the demonstration of medical instruments and the process of childbirth to the withdrawal of this segment; etc.

The miR-31b targets arylsulfatase B to regulate the ovarian development of Bactrocera dorsalis.

Reproduction is the basis of insect population growth and evolution, and encompasses ovarian development, reproductive behavior, and fecundity. Bactrocera dorsalis is a globally significant agricultural pest that is subject to quarantine, with mated females that can lay over 3000 eggs. The post-transcriptional regulation of ovarian development remains unclear. Here, miR-31b is shown to be involved in regulating Bactrocera dorsalis ovarian development. CRISPR/Cas9 was used to generate miR-31b loss-of-function mutations in Bactrocera dorsalis. The removal of miR-31b resulted in severely impaired ovarian development in adults, with phenotypes that included dramatically reduced egg production and hatching rates. The relationship between miR-31b and its target gene arylsulfatase B (ARSB) was subsequently identified using the methods of bioinformatics, transcriptomic sequencing, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), RNA pull-down and dual-luciferase reporter assay. Finally, miR-31b was confirmed to bind the target gene arylsulfatase B to affect metabolism and thereby further hindered ovarian development of Bactrocera dorsalis. Overall, these results provide new insights into molecular mechanisms at the post-transcriptional level in regulating ovarian development and insect reproduction, consequently providing potential targets to control arthropod pests through the reproductive strategy. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Public and Private Dimensions of Chinese Women's Bodies—From Reproductive Policies to Bodily

This study examines the impact of China’s evolving reproductive policies and the recently implemented "cooling-off period" for divorce, underscoring how these shifts implicitly discipline women’s reproductive and marital autonomy. Despite the transition from the "One-Child Policy" to the "Three-Child Policy" appearing to offer increased reproductive choice, women’s decisions are still heavily influenced by family expectations, including pressure to bear male children, the demands of multiple births, and constraints on birthing choices. Such interventions not only intensify psychological pressures but also contribute to social issues like postpartum depression, suicide, and marital instability. By analyzing policies and relevant data, this paper reveals the combined influence of state and family on women’s reproductive behaviors and explores approaches to balance competing interests among the state, family, and individuals. Key recommendations include strengthening legal protections, expanding social support systems, and promoting cultural change to respect women’s autonomy over their reproductive choices. The broader implications of these policy adjustments emphasize the critical role of reproductive autonomy in achieving gender equality and sustaining social development. This issue transcends national borders, positioning it within the broader global movement for gender autonomy.

Deafness due to loss of a TRPV channel eliminates mating behavior in Aedes aegypti males

Attraction and mating between male and female animals depend on effective communication between conspecifics. However, in mosquitoes, we have only a rudimentary understanding of the sensory cues and receptors critical for the communication that is essential for reproductive behavior. While it is known that male Aedes aegypti use sound to help them identify females, it is not unclear whether sound detection is absolutely required since other cues such as vision may also participate in mating behavior. To determine the effect of eliminating hearing on mating success, we knocked out the Ae. aegypti TRPVa channel, which is a protein expressed in chordotonal neurons in the Johnston's organ (JO) that respond to sound-induced movements in the antenna. Loss of trpVa eradicated sound-induced responses from the JO, thereby abolishing hearing. Strikingly, mutation of trpVa eliminated mating behavior in males. In contrast, trpVa-null females mated, although this behavior was slightly delayed relative to wild-type females. Males and females produce sounds as they beat their wings at distinct frequencies during flight. Sound mimicking the female wingbeat induced flight, attraction, and copulatory-like behavior in wild-type males without females present, but not in trpVa-null males. Males are known to modulate their wingbeat frequencies before mating in the air, which is a phenomenon referred to as rapid frequency modulation (RFM). We found that RFM was absent in mosquitoes lacking TRPVa. We conclude that the requirement for trpVa and hearing for male reproductive behavior in Aedes is absolute, as mating in the deaf males is eliminated.

Potential of accelerometer tags for monitoring of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) reproductive behaviour

ABSTRACT 1. Monitoring behavioural dynamics in complex animal environments, such as poultry breeding facilities, poses a challenge. Utilising technological approaches, such as accelerometers, offers a solution to assess long-term changes in reproductive activity at an individual bird level. Specifically, these sensors measure acceleration associated with the position and movements of the body over time. However, it is important to assess the most suitable method for attaching accelerometer tags to ensure they do not negatively impact behaviour and yield high-quality data. 2. The potential of tri-axial accelerometer tags for assessing reproductive behaviour in Japanese quail was evaluated. Two attachment methods – a backpack (plastic platform with elastic bands near wing bases) and a patch (accelerometer on fabric glued to the synsacrum region) – were compared. Controls were handled similarly but without tags. Eighteen pairs of females were housed in pens and assessed immediately and 24 h after handling. After a week of habituation, a male from the same treatment group was introduced into each pen on d 8. The reproductive behaviour of the males was recorded using accelerometers and video recordings. 3. The results showed that birds with patches were able to remove their conspecific’s accelerometer and displayed an increased initial immobility response compared to the control and backpack groups. The presence of accelerometer tags did not impact male/female reproductive interactions nor fear responses to a novel object. From accelerometer recordings, male reproductive behaviour was easily identified as high amplitude fluctuations in the three axial components of the acceleration vectors, which was reflected as large values of dynamic body acceleration (VeDBA). 4. In conclusion, the use of backpacks with accelerometers is a useful strategy to address highly relevant and difficult to tackle behavioural topics such as the temporal dynamic of male reproductive behaviour within breeding groups.

Revisiting the specific and potentially independent role of the gonad in hormone regulation and reproductive behavior.

Gonadal sex steroid hormones are well-studied modulators of reproductive physiology and behavior. Recent behavioral endocrinology research has focused on how the brain dynamically responds to - and may even produce - sex steroids, but the gonadal tissues that primarily release these hormones receive much less attention as a potential mediator of behavioral variation. This Commentary revisits mechanisms by which the reproductive hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis can be modulated specifically at the gonadal level. These mechanisms include those that may allow the gonad to be regulated independently of the HPG axis, such as receptors for non-HPG hormones, neural inputs and local production of conventional 'neuropeptides'. Here, I highlight studies that examine variation in these gonadal mechanisms in diverse taxa, with an emphasis on recent transcriptomic work. I then outline how future work can establish functional roles of gonadal mechanisms in reproductive behavior and evaluate gonad responsiveness to environmental cues. When integrated with neural mechanisms, further investigation of gonadal hormone regulation can yield new insight into the control and evolution of steroid-mediated traits, including behavior.

Evolution of endometrial cancer incidence patterns in Hong Kong: A three-decade analysis with future projections

ObjectiveThis study provides a comprehensive analysis of endometrial cancer incidence trends in Hong Kong over the past three decades. It aims to evaluate the impact of demographic shifts and epidemiological factors, including age, birth cohort, and diagnosis period, on the incidence rates. The study also projects future trends in endometrial cancer cases up to 2030 and assesses the contributions of these factors using a detailed decomposition approach. Material and methodsThe analysis is based on endometrial cancer data obtained from the Hong Kong Cancer Registry. Age-period-cohort (APC) modeling was utilized to investigate the effects of different age groups, historical periods, and birth cohorts on the changing incidence patterns. The study projects future trends using a Bayesian APC framework, integrating historical data and expert insights for robust predictions. Additionally, a decomposition analysis was conducted to disentangle the contributions of demographic changes (aging and population growth) and epidemiological shifts (risk factors such as obesity and reproductive behaviors) to the increasing cases. ResultsBetween 1992 and 2021, there were 19,214 recorded cases of endometrial cancer in Hong Kong. Age-standardized and crude incidence rates showed consistent increases, rising from 7.4 per 100,000 person-years in 1992 to 31.0 per 100,000 in 2020. Incidence trends rose significantly across all age groups, with the highest increase seen in women aged 50–65. Projections indicate that the upward trend will continue, with an estimated 1718 cases by 2030. Demographic factors, particularly population aging, and evolving epidemiological trends contribute jointly to the incidence rise. ConclusionsThe findings reveal a steady increase in endometrial cancer incidence among Hong Kong women, primarily driven by demographic aging and shifts in risk factors. The study underscores the need for targeted public health measures and resource allocation for early detection and effective management strategies, emphasizing the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors such as obesity and reproductive health behaviors.

A comprehensive evaluation of the endocrine-disrupting effects of emerging organophosphate esters

The ubiquitous presence of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in the environment has prompted growing concerns about their potential health risks, particularly their endocrine-disrupting effects. This study comprehensively evaluated the endocrine-disrupting properties of six emerging OPEs: five aryl-OPEs (2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP), tris (2-biphenylyl) phosphate (TBPP), resorcinol bis (diphenyl phosphate) (RDP), 4-hydroxyphenyl diphenyl phosphate (para-OH-TPHP), and 3-hydroxyphenyl diphenyl phosphate (meta-OH-TPHP)) and one alkyl-OPE, triallyl phosphate (TAP). Our findings revealed that all tested aryl-OPEs exhibited antagonistic effects on one or more hormone receptors. Importantly, para-OH-TPHP demonstrated the most potent antagonistic activity, inhibiting estrogen receptor α (ERα), thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) with the concentration of test compounds showing 20 % relative inhibitory concentration (RIC20) value below 10−6 mol/L (M). RDP antagonized ERα and cortical receptors (GR and MR), TBPP affected TRβ and GR, while EHDPP and meta-OH-TPHP targeted MR. Regarding steroidogenesis, para-OH-TPHP significantly inhibited genes for estrogen (cyp19) and cortisol synthesis (cyp11b2), and along with meta-OH-TPHP, EHDPP, TAP, and RDP downregulated cyp11a1, a rate-limiting enzyme in hormone synthesis. All compounds caused malformations and swimming abnormalities in zebrafish embryos/larvae at concentrations of 10−7 M or higher, with para-OH-TPHP showing nearly 50 % peak induction. Furthermore, the six compounds tested influenced genes associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis in both zebrafish larvae and adult female zebrafish, in addition to affecting the reproductive behavior of zebrafish. A weighted scoring system was employed to rank the endocrine-disrupting potency of the OPEs, with para-OH-TPHP exhibiting the highest risk, followed by EHDPP, RDP, TBPP, meta-OH-TPHP, and TAP. Collectively, our results highlight the significant endocrine-disrupting effects of emerging OPEs, underscoring the urgent need for further research to assess their potential health implications.

Embryonic and Pre-Larval Developmental Patterns in Cryptocentroides arabicus (Teleostei, Gobiidae).

The Arabian goby, Cryptocentroides arabicus (Gobiidae: Gobiinae), is a significant species in marine and brackish water ecosystems. However, limited information is available about the reproductive biology and the early life history of this species. This study aimed to understand the embryonic and pre-larval development of C. arabicus under controlled laboratory conditions using light microscopy. Ten fish pairs were placed in five 70-L glass aquaria, and environmental parameters were carefully monitored. After 4 months, spawning began, with each event yielding between 700 and 1500 eggs, totaling 10 spawning events. The elliptical-shaped eggs, measuring 3.9 ± 0.1 mm in length and 1.6 mm in maximum width, hatched after 7 days and 4 h at a water temperature of 28°C. This process resulted in the identification of eight distinct larval developmental stages. Parental care by both the male and female was observed during the incubation period. Documenting the morphological changes during incubation contributes to a better understanding of the reproductive behaviour and early life history of C. arabicus. This is essential for the conservation management of marine and brackish water environments.

Risky Reproductive Health Behavior and Information Access on Adolescents: Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis

Adolescence is a vital period of development marked by confusion, a range of emotions, and an understanding of adult behavior, the environment, enthusiasm, and an inclination to explore, particularly with drugs, alcohol, and sex. This study outlines adolescents' knowledge, attitude, access to information and risky behaviors related to reproductive health. This study employed a concurrent triangulation design, using mixed methodologies. The chi-square test was used to examine this form of quantitative study. The focus groups and in-depth interviews with teenagers in several agencies, along with the accompanying teachers and parents, provided qualitative information for this study. Adolescents had greater access to knowledge about reproductive health issues, but the majority were unable to make effective use of this information. Numerous risky habits, including drug use, also set off unsafe sexual behaviors. In contrast to their parents or professors, teenagers increasingly feel more at the ease of sharing stories with their friends. It is intended that parents and educators will act in a peer-like manner by imitating teenagers’ social cues. Quantitative analysis revealed relationships among information access, attitude, knowledge, and reproductive behavior. Teenagers typically have higher knowledge of their reproductive health. However, the majority of them struggle to put this knowledge into practice, and as a result, many engage in risky sexual behavior out of curiosity.

Immunocastration caused dysfunction of Père David’s deer (Elaphurus davidianus)

Abstract The population density of Père David’s deer (Elaphurus davidianus) in Jiangsu Dafeng Milu Nature Reserve was excessively high due to an overemphasis on population recovery, while ignoring the crucial relationship between population size and habitats. This study used immunocastration to capture four Père David’s deer and observed their behavior. Their blood was collected for sex hormone testing, transcriptomics, and metabolomics analysis. In addition, six uncastrated Père David’s deer were included as control group. The results showed that reproductive behavior was absent in castrated Père David’s deer, while castrated individuals exhibited a significant decrease in blood hormone testosterone concentration compared to uncastrated Père David’s deer. Transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed 450 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and five differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs), Combined analysis of transcriptome and metabolic data revealed a significant correlation between DEGs and DEMs. It shows that using immune castration to control the population of Père David’s deer may disrupt their cell apoptosis and disturb the cell cycle, leading to abnormal pathways and promoting the onset of many diseases. Therefore, a cautious approach should be adopted toward immune castration as a means of population control. This study can provide valuable references for the standardized management of Père David’s deer populations.

Regional fertility characteristics of urban population of Kazakhstan at the end of the 20th–first quarter of the 21st centuries

The article examines the current state of fertility processes in Kazakhstan, the diversity of reproductive scenarios, and the reasons for their formation. The authors proceed by analysing the sovereign demographic system formed in Kazakhstan in the first quarter of the 21st century based on the Kazakh ethnic group. Cluster analysis was performed for demographic zones, considering indicators such as the proportion of Kazakhs in the urban population and the total fertility rate in cities. We believe that case technology allows us to demonstrate the differences in the reproductive attitudes and behaviour of urban Kazakhs, ultimately determining the trends in reproductive processes in the country. The focus is given to the socio-cultural and socio-economic differences across the regions of Kazakhstan and their impact on fertility processes in the context of the accelerated urbanisation of Kazakhs. The main variants of adaptation of the reproductive behaviour of Kazakhs to new urban living conditions are described, and an assumption is made about further prospects for maintaining or changing birth rates in Kazakhstan.

The effect of cancer-associated mutations on ligand binding and receptor function – A case for the 5-HT2C receptor

The serotonin 5-HT2C receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) mainly expressed in the central nervous system. Besides regulating mood, appetite, and reproductive behavior, it has been identified as a potential target for cancer treatment. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of cancer patient-derived 5-HT2C receptor mutations on ligand binding and receptor functionality. By filtering the sequencing data from the Genomic Data Commons data portal (GDC), we selected 12 mutations from multiple cancer types. We found that the affinity of the endogenous agonist serotonin (5-HT) and inverse agonist mesulergine were both drastically decreased by mutations L209HECL2 and F328S6.52, which are located in the orthosteric binding pocket. In the calcium-flux assay, the potency of 5-HT was decreased at F328S6.52, while a trend of increased efficacy was observed. In contrast, 5-HT displayed higher affinity at E306K6.30 and E306A6.30, while a trend of decreased efficacy was observed. These two mutations may disrupt the conserved ionic interaction between E6.30 and R3.50, and thus increase the constitutive activity of the receptor. The inhibitory potency of mesulergine was increased at E306A6.30 but not E306K6.30. Lastly, P365H7.50 decreased the expression level of the receptor by more than ten-fold, which prevented further functional analyses. This study shows that cancer-associated mutations of 5-HT2C receptor have diverse effects on ligand binding and function. Such mutations may affect serotonin-mediated signaling in tumor cells as well as treatment strategies targeting this receptor.

MiRNAs targeted transcription factors HaGATAa/b to mediate the post-mating switch in Helicoverpa armigera female reproductive behavior.

The process of mating induces significant shifts in female reproductive behavior across various species, with the postmating behavioral switch playing a crucial role in insect reproduction. Previous studies have demonstrated the regulatory role of GATA transcription factors in vitellogenin transcription and egg formation in insects, while miRNAs have been implicated in modulating GATA expression and insect reproductive processes. Nevertheless, the precise regulatory mechanism underlying the interaction between miRNAs and GATA transcription factors in the postmating behavioral switch remains largely unexplored. In this study, we identified two key GATA transcription factors, HaGATAa and HaGATAb, as central players in orchestrating the postmating behavior of H. armigera using transcriptomics and RNAi technologies. HaGATAa was found to act upstream of HaGATAb, regulating its expression. Furthermore, we observed a postmating increase in miR-282 levels in females, targeting HaGATAa to regulate egg-laying capacity. Conversely, the decreased expression of miR-2 following mating functioned as a negative feedback regulator, influencing the expression of HaGATAb and thus impacting the postmating behavior of female individuals. Our results revealed a signal-mediated feedback regulatory mechanism that sustains female postmating behavior in H. armigera. These findings not only establish a strong basis for understanding the postmating behavior mechanisms in female moths, but also offer valuable insights for identifying potential targets for pest control strategies. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.