Hormonal control of pheromone responsiveness in the male black cutwormAgrotis ipsilon

In Lepidoptera, reproduction is linked to chemical communication between conspecific partners. When exposed to the female sex pheromone, males respond by exhibiting typical sexual behaviour which leads to mating. Here we show that presence of the juvenile hormone producing gland (corpora allata) of the male black cutworm,Agrotis ipsilon, is necessary for pheromone responsiveness. Allatectomized males do not show any sexual behaviour, although their antennal olfactory system is functional. Allatectomized males implanted with active corpora allata recover full pheromone receptivity. It is suggested that reproductive processes are synchronized in males and females through endocrine control; timing of the mating activity could serve as an adaptive strategy linked to the migratory behaviour of this species.