Changes in cuticular hydrocarbon composition in relation to age and sexual behavior in the female Calliphora...

Qualitative and quantitative changes in epicuticular hydrocarbon synthesis/release were observed during the first gonadotrophic cycle of Calliphora vomitoria. Up to 12 hours after eclosion, hydrocarbon synthesis/release is low, with little change in the relative proportions of the compounds detected. At 24 hours there is a marked increase in hydrocarbon synthesis/release, especially in the monomethylalkanes (both absolute and relative amounts). Between 48 and 72 hours, hydrocarbon synthesis stabilizes. At 83 hours, two hydrocarbon patterns can be distinguished, depending on the state of receptiveness of the females. The results show for the first time that differences in age, sexual attractiveness and receptivity are accompanied by characteristic changes in cuticular n-alkanes and mono-methylalkanes.