The corpora allata in embryos of some cockroaches release substantial amounts of methyl farnesoate, the direct biosynthetic precursor of juvenile hormone III. We have now examined evolutionary correlates of methyl farnesoate production in an attempt to learn how reproductive mode influences the endocrine function of the corpora allata. We have found that methyl farnesoate production is not limited to Nauphoeta cinerea, the only species in which it had been previously described. Our investigations may lead to new avenues of research into mechansims regulating the synthesis of juvenile hormone.
Species 1: Dictyoptera Blattidae Blatta orientalis (oriental cockroach)
Species 2: Dictyoptera Blaberidae Rhyparobia maderae (Madeira cockroach)
Species 3: Dictypoptera Blaberidae Nauphoeta cinerea (lobster cockroach)
Keywords: juvenile hormone, methyl farnesoate, rate limitation
The ESA 2001 Annual Meeting - 2001: An Entomological Odyssey of ESA