Hormonal Activation of the Insect Brain

Abstract

A new endocrine function has been shown to play a role in insect morphogenesis. The hormone named proctodone is secreted by specialized cells of the hindgut and appears to affect the brain, resulting in the activation of the brain hormone-producing system. Proctodone has been found in two lepidopterous species—Ostrinia nubilalis and Galleria mellonella. In the O. nubilalis, proctodone plays a part in both photoperiodism and diapause.