Changes in cuticular hydrocarbons associated with mating in female Anopheles gambiae

This study is designed to determine whether there are overall effects on cuticular hydrocarbons of female Anopheles gambiae before and after mating. The uneven change effects in different body parts suggest that cuticular hydrocarbons are formed and emitted in different amount, different distribution and different time may associate with their own biological function during mating. The significant change of CHCs found in mosquito leg indicates that legs may play a major role during mating.  Seventy cuticular hydrocarbons (CHC) were characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry from the epicuticular surface of four body parts (abdomen, head, leg and wing) of female Anopheles gambiae. Hydrocarbons differed significantly among body parts and in response to mating, suggesting different functional roles.