Identification and differential expression of a sex-peptide receptor in Helicoverpa armigera

► Helicoverpa armigera sex-peptide receptor (SP-R) is identified bearing 99% identity to Bombyx mori SP-R. ► Neural SP-R transcript levels differ according to sex, photoperiod and mating status. ► After mating transcript levels in female neural tissues and pheromone glands are up-regulated. ► Physiological studies confirm the up-regulation in mated pheromone glands.