›› 2009, Vol. 52 ›› Issue (9): 1008-1016.

• RESEARCH PAPERS • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Deposition modes, components and functions of secretions associated with oviposition in insects

JIN Feng, JI B Z, LIU S W, TIAN L, GAO J   

  • Online:2009-09-20 Published:2009-09-20

Abstract: Oviposition is the important life phase in insects. Before, during or after egg-laying, most females deposit secretions near eggs. These secretions may serve as egg-adhesive substances or egg-cover substances and protect eggs and early larvae. Some insects also use the secretions as egg marking pheromones which can mediate intra- and inter-specific competition of natural resources. Considering the specific physiological and ecological functions and the influence on population densities, the deposition of secretions associated with oviposition is an evolutionary adaptation. In this article, we reviewed the deposition and physical characteristics of secretions during oviposition in various insects, and the chemical components, possible functions and excretion organs of the sectetions and the microbe species in them were also summarized.

Key words: Insect, oviposition, secretions, component, function, microbe