Factors affecting pheromone secretion and oviposition by fertilized females of Culicoides nubeculosus (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

The effect of age and a blood meal on pheromone secretion by virgin and fertilized females of Culicoides nubeculosus was studied. In virgin females, the secretion varies in relation to age, the blood meal, and oviposition. In fertilized females, rate of pheromone secretion is very low after fertilization and does not seem to vary subsequently in relation to the above factors. Mating was found to accelerate oviposition. The role of seminal fluid in the decrease in rate of pheromone secretion by fertilized females is discussed.