The stimulus provided by a copulating pair of Triatoma
infestans significantly affects the electrical activity of the
nervous system of Triatoma infestans. Electrophysiological
recordings were performed on stationary adult males presented
with stimuli of an air current carrying odors from males,
females, non-copulating pairs and mating pairs. The
electrophysiological response was characterized by the low
frequency occurrence of biphasic compound impulses. A
significant increase in the frequency of the impulses occurred
in stationary males when exposed to air currents of mating
pairs, when compared to that evoked by a clean air stream.
Analysis of the time course of the assays, showed that the
electrophysiological activity during the copula was higher
than prior to or after copula. The electrophysiological
evidence presented here strongly supports the existence of
pheromone(s) released by one or both sexes during mating and
which is perceived by male chemoreceptors located on the
antennae.
