Antennal amputations stimulate fecundity rate of crickets,Gryllus bimaculatus, at suboptimal rearing temperatures

Abstract

In Gryllus bimaculatus temperature receptors are located, at least partly, on the antenna. Complete amputation of both antennae in animals reared at suboptimal temperatures (17.5–23 °C) causes an increase in whole body weight due to ovarian growth and stimulates egg deposition. In addition, the onset of reproductive development in antennectomized insects preceded that in untreated controls. Further experiments (wing amputation, cerci removal) have shown that the effects are not a mere consequence of an unspecific stress due to an operation. It is suggested that antennectomy mimics an improved adult development under warmer conditions, by reducing cold sensory input on the reproductive system via cerebral neurosecretory cells and endocrine glands, although a direct linkage between antennectomy and the endocrine system has not yet been shown.