The effect of a juvenile hormone mimic on development of the metathoracic release site of the Brindley's glands of Rhodnius prolixus

Abstract

The development of the metathoracic release site of Brindley's glands in adult Rhodnius prolixus has been investigated by treating larvae with juvenile hormone (JH) mimic at different times during the last instar and observing the extent of development in this region in the subsequently emerging insects. The results demonstrate a critical period of JH mimic sensitivity for release-site development comparable to that previously established for other adult morphological characteristics.