Modification of female circadian flight-activity by a male accessory gland pheromone in the mosquito, Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus

ABSTRACT. The pattern of circadian flight activity in female Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus was modified after insemination or injection with an extract of male accessory glands. The changes were linked with an apparent alteration in the timing of one of the major components of the rhythm. In LD 12:12, virgin females were highly active at 'dusk' and 'dawn' and in the latter part of the dark phase; inseminated females were less active at 'dusk' and 'dawn' and were active in the first half of the dark phase. In DD, there were two peaks in each cycle, the initial (evening) peak occurring at the same time after all treatments; the peaks were approximately 12 h apart in virgin females, but only 6–7 h apart in females which had been inseminated or injected with accessory gland extract. The accessory gland substance (pheromone) also appeared to cause a progressive increase in activity. These induced changes are consistent with a switch to host-seeking behaviour, which, under natural conditions, leads to a peak of biting in the middle of the night.