Regulation of Vitellogenesis in Cockroaches

Vitellogenesis, i.e., the production of the mature egg, involves the massive deposition of proteinaceous and lipid yolk, later utilized in embryogenesis. Many extrinsic and intrinsic factors, often species specific, influence this process. Among these are the availability of food to mature and immature animals, photoperiodic conditions, temperature, presence of mates, and ultimately hormone production, which is itself influenced by other factors. ¹ , ² Any one of these components may not and usually does not stand alone. Consequently, the intricate interrelationships have become fascinating research topics during the past several decades; still, few if any species are comprehensively understood today. Cockroach species have often been found amenable to in-depth and integrated studies leading to the formulation of models. As a matter of fact, many of the primary findings on various aspects of reproduction in insects were worked out on appropriate cockroach species. ¹ , ²