Chemosensory input from mouthparts in response to sexually dimorphic cuticular wax mediates male sexual discrimination in Galerucella grisescens (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

ABSTRACT: The surface of the insect body is covered with a hydrophobic layer called cuticular wax (CW). In addition to functioning as an anti-desiccation agent, CW is critical for chemical communication. It has been reported that in Chrysomelidae, males discriminate between sexes based on the sex-specific CW. However, little is known regarding the underlying sensory basis. Herein, we demonstrate that chemosensory input from mouthparts mediates sexual discrimination in male Galerucella grisescens (Chrysomelidae). Observations of mating behaviour, bioassays for CW, and chemical analyses revealed that G. grisescens possess qualitatively sexually dimorphic CW, and such compositional differences allow males to distinguish between sexes. Using electron microscopy, blocking male chemosensory organs, and el

SUBMITTER: Chiba Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10709455 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature