Inotocin, a potential modulator of reproductive behaviours in a biparental beetle, Lethrus apterus

Several members of the highly conserved oxytocin/vasopressin neuropeptide family are involved in the regulation of reproductive and affiliative behaviours in numerous vertebrate and invertebrate species. Here we investigate gene expression patterns of inotocin, the insect ortholog of this peptide family, and its receptor to decipher their possible role in the control of reproductive behaviour in a beetle, Lethrus apterus, with biparental care....