EXISTENCE OF A SEX-PHEROMONE IN TRIATOMA-INFESTANS (HEMIPTERA, REDUVIIDAE) .2. ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL CORRELATES

The stimulus provided by a copulating pair of Triatoma infestans signi ficantly affects the electrical activity of the nervous system of Tria toma infestans. Electrophysiological recordings were performed on stat ionary adult males presented with stimuli of an air current carrying o dors from males, females, non-copulating pairs and mating pairs. The e lectrophysiological response was characterized by the low frequency oc currence of biphasic compound impulses. A significant increase in the frequency of the impulses occurred in stationary males when exposed to air currents of mating pairs, when compared to that evoked by a clean air stream. Analysis of the time course of the assays, showed that th e electrophysiological activity during the copula was higher that I pr ior to or after copula. The electrophysiological evidence presented he re strongly supports the existence of pheromone(s) released by one or both sexes during mating and which is perceived by male chemoreceptors located on the antennae.