CORPUS ALLATUM FUNCTION DURING SEXUAL-MATURATION OF MALE DIPLOPTERA-PUNCTATA

ABSTRACT. The effect of allatectomy on synthesis of accessory reproductive gland secretion, spermatophore production and sexual behaviour in male Diploptera punctata was investigated during the first 6 weeks of adult life. After allatectomy, synthesis of the secretion and production of spermatophores was slightly reduced relative to sham‐operated animals (by 16%), but not relative to normal animals. However, sexual behaviour of the operated animals appeared normal. Thus, the corpora allata (CA) may not be necessary for the sexual functioning of male D.punctata. The synthesis of C16 juvenile hormone (C16 JH; JH III) by isolated pairs of CA from individual males was followed during this period and, at all times, the rate of synthesis was less than 8pmolh‐1 per pair, a rate similar to that observed in pregnant females. The significance of this continued synthesis of JH by male CA is unknown, although it may be related to the maintenance of general metabolic activities. Copyright © 1979, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved