Comparison of the Tricine SDS-PAGE gels of male accessory gland secretions of Spodoptera litura virgin and mated males showed the occurrence of a protein <14KDa in virgin males from the time of eclosion while the level reached its peak at 24 hrs, remaining constant up to 48 hrs. The concentration of this protein drastically reduced just before the end of mating indicating the transfer of the protein to females during mating. During next 24 hrs following mating the concentration was recovered probably an indication that the male is ready for second round of mating. This study, a first of its kind in Spodoptera litura, demonstrating the possible transfer of protein from male to female, suggests that the protein identified from male accessory gland secretions may have an important influence on behavior, survival and reproduction in female moths.
