Male dominant/subordinate relationships, cuticular profiles and sex pheromone in Nauphoeta cinerea (Dictyoptera, Blaberidae)

Summary:

In the cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea, male-male aggressive interactions result in dominant-subordinate relationships. Once dominance relationships are established, a male can recognize the status of another individual, likely through chemical cues. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of these male-male interactions on cuticular chemical profiles and on the relative composition of the male sex pheromone. The results of chemical analyses of males reared in pairs for 30 days clearly showed significant differences in both cuticular profiles and sex pheromone of dominant and subordinate individuals. The possible role of these compounds as recognition cues was discussed.