Insect Reproductive Behavior: Key Genes and Their Mechanisms of Action

Abstract

Reproductive behavior refers to a series of activities involved in animal reproduction, including intersexual attraction, courtship, mating, oviposition, and parental care. It is the most common behavior in the biological world and plays a vital role in population propagation. The in-depth study of insect reproductive behavior is fundamental to understanding species' sexual selection and evolution, with important practical significance for pest control and the utilization of beneficial insects. Reproductive behavior is a complex biological process regulated by genes. Research on such genes can offer new ideas and target genes for novel pest control strategies based on reproductive behavior, pheromones, and RNAi. Presently, control methods established using insect sex pheromones and mating behavior patterns have been successfully applied in monitoring and controlling some significant agricultural pests. This review synthesizes current knowledge on genes regulating insect reproductive behavior from three interconnected perspectives: intrasexual regulation (with emphasis on neuropeptides such as tachykinins and natalisin), intersexual regulation (focusing on male accessory gland proteins and female post‑mating responses), and sex pheromone synthesis control (including both female‑autonomous PBAN/PBANR signaling and male‑derived pheromonostatic factors). While major progress has been made in model insects, functional validation in non‑model species and the integration of multi‑omics data remain key challenges. We also discuss emerging tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 and bacterial‑mediated RNAi, which hold promise for translating mechanistic insights into behavior‑based pest management strategies.