Corpus Allatum and Sexual Receptivity in Female Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

IN a number of insects the hormone secreted by the corpus allatum is known to affect reproductive behaviour. In female insects so far studied the hormone operates in one of two ways. It may control pheromone secretion and thus determine whether a female attracts courtship from males, for example, the cockroach Byrsotria. Here, Barth¹ showed that there is no effect on behaviour itself because if males are induced to court allatectomized females by adding pheromone artificially, the latter respond normally and mate. Alternatively, the hormone may affect the sexual receptivity of females, as in the grasshopper Gomphocerus. In this case pheromones are not important and Loher² has shown that allatectomized females, although courted normally, do not respond. Implanting mature corpora allata induced the return of receptivity within 7 days.