Mechanosensory feedback circuits for copulation control in Drosophila males

Successful copulation requires the precise integration of sensory cues and motor actions. Here, we identify three classes of genital mechanosensory neurons in male Drosophila that are required for copulation. These neurons exhibit distinct tactile response properties and act through separate pathways that selectively recruit male-specific motor neurons. Functionally, these pathways differentially contribute to copulation initiation, maintenance, and termination. Together, our findings define neural pathways through which genital mechanosensory feedback is transformed into motor output, thus providing a circuit framework for understanding sensorimotor control of reproductive behavior.