Ruo-Tong Bu

eLife Assessment This important study presents convincing evidence that uncovers a novel signaling axis impacting the post-mating response in females of the brown planthopper. The findings open several avenues for testing the molecular and neurobiological mechanisms of mating behavior in insects, and in the revised version the authors provide further evidence supporting their conclusions.

Abstract Mating in insects commonly induces a profound change in the physiology and behavior of the female that serves to secure numerous and viable offspring and to ensure paternity for the male by reducing receptivity of the female to further mating attempts.