Pathways to Perception: Sexual differentiation and pheromone communication in parasitoid wasps

Insects have evolved genetic pathways that determine whether they develop as a male or female. These pathways also shape physical and behavioural differences in their pheromone communication systems to facilitate how they share and process information. Hymenoptera – ants, bees and wasps – have developed a specific coding system where a single chemical can trigger various sensory neurons to enable them to perceive complex pheromones. However, it is not yet fully understood how these genetic pathways actually regulate this pheromone-processing mechanism.

I analysed how sex-determining genes affect pheromone communication in parasitoid wasps. My results show how pheromone chemistry, neurodevelopment and chemosensory processes are interlinked in shaping how these wasps communicate. I explain how sex-determination plays a key role in building complex pheromone systems and highlight the importance that sex-determining genes have in producing the extensive range of pheromones seen in parasitoid wasps.

External financer: NWO-VIDI