Drosophila female precopulatory behavior is modulated by ecdysteroids

The effect of ecdysteroid signaling on Drosophila female precopulatory behavior was investigated using two types of mutants with either globally reduced ecdysteroid availability or reduced expression of ecdysone receptors in fruitless neurons, known to control sexual behavior. While being courted by males, mutant females performed significantly less full ovipositor extrusion behavior to reject male copulation attempts. Ecdysteroid depleted females (ecdysoneless1) performed male-like courtship behaviors, including unilateral wing extension and song production with patterns very similar to male courtship song. These results support the hypothesis that ecdysteroids modulate female sexual behavior, perhaps acting as a regulator of sexual motivation, and as a component affecting the performance of sex specific behavior patterns.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Ecdysteroid depleted female flies sing to male suitors. ► Ecdysteroid depleted female flies sing songs acoustically similar to those of wild-type males. ► Ecdysteroid depleted females flies show reduced rejection behavior that can be reversed by ecdysone feeding.