EFFECTS OF 20-HYDROXYECDYSONE AND INSULIN APPLICATION ON REPRODUCTION IN EPHESTIAKUEHNIELLAZELLER (LEPIDOPTERA: PYRALIDAE)

Insulin and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) have known roles in insects and mammals, but their interactions are complex. Therefore, the effects of human insulin and 20E have been examined in an insect Ephestiakuehniella. These two molecules, administered separately (5 and 10 µg) on newly emerged pupae, were evaluated on the reproduction; insulin and ecdysone have been given to insects by topical acetone application. The primary effects of human insulin were, firstly, specified. Insulin increased glycogen, carbohydrates and proteins amounts compared to 20E, while it decreased the levels of lipids only with the 5µgdose.Insulin and20Eincreased the vitellogenin and vitellin amounts but decreased ecdysteroid content in ovaries. Duration of the oviposition  period was not affectedbythe20Ebutis shortened by insulin at the two tested doses. Moreover, the fecundity and fertility (egg hatchability)are affected by the two molecules. Conclusively, acetone solutions of 20E or human insulin, applied topically, on insects have similar effects on all considered parameters.