Mating has opposite effects on male and female sexually selected cuticular hydrocarbons

Abstract

Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) are waxy, heavy molecules produced by oenocyte cells in the cuticle of invertebrate animals. CHCs protect terrestrial invertebrates from desiccation (Gibbs et al., 2003; Howard & Blomquist, 2005) and serve as a means of chemical communication in many species. In some insects, individuals can use the chemical profile of CHCs to distinguish between species (Alves et al., 2010; Blows & Allan, 1998) and between sexes within a species (Antony & Jallon, 1982).