Studies on the nervous control of sexual behaviours in the Lepidopterous moth

Abstract

The author investigated on the nervous control of sexual behaviours, that is, copulation, ejaculation, oviposition and sexual stimulus, in some Lepidopterous moths (Antheraea yamamai, A. pernyi and Bombyx mori), through experiments of decapitation and nervous ganglionectomy. The decapitation of the Bombyx moth gives rise to the extripation of the brain and the suboesophageal ganglion, but the corpora allata and the pharyngeal ganglion always remain in the isolated body. On the contrary, our observations show that their organs are removed with the decapitation in the moths of Antheraea yamamai and A. pernyi.
When decapitated, both female and male moths suddenly stopped their movement of copulation and enter a standstill. This sexual behaviour may be controlled by the head (brain).
The 9th nervous ganglion in the female moth of Bombyx not only controls the oviposition, co-operating with the brain, but also manages the ejaculation of the male, and the sperm moves indendently in the seminal vesicle regardless of the brain, according to the results of the experiment of ganglionectomy.
The report has shown the nervous control of sexual behaviours but in the future we I concluded by expressing my heartiest thanks to Dr. Y. UMEYA revised the manuscript. have to discuss on neurosecretions.