Hormonal Control of Sex Attractant Production in the Cuban Cockroach

Abstract

Virgin females of Byrsotria fumigata (Guérin) and several other species of Blattidae produce volatile substances which attract males and release in them characteristic precopulatory behavior. The removal of the corpora allata from females shortly after the imaginal molt results in a failure of production of sex attractant, as assayed by male behavior. Implantation of corpora allata can effect recovery.