Identification and characterization of a novel nuclear noncoding RNA, Fben-1, which is preferentially expressed in the higher brain center of the female silkworm moth, Bombyx mori

► Sexually dimorphic neural circuits are essential for the reproductive behavior. ► We identified a novel nuclear noncoding RNA, termed Fben-1, in the silkworm brain. ► Fben-1 expression was preferential to the mushroom bodies of adult female moths. ► Fben-1 transcripts were sex-differentially spliced and localized in the nuclei. ► Involvement of noncoding RNA in sexually dimorphic brain functions was suggested.