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Rong Kou's Lab｜Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica

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Rong Kou's Lab

  • Rong Kou
    Emeritus Faculty
    • SpecialtyInsect Chemical Ecology, Insect Endocrinology
    • E-mailkourong@gate.sinica.edu.tw
    • TelNah
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Although agonistic behavior in the male lobster cockroach, Nauphoeta cinerea, has been known for more than 40 years, the major pheromone component involved was recently aerated and determined to be 3-hydroxy-2- butanone (3H-2B). The attacking strengths of the dominant males, during the first encountered fight, were differentiated into three categories, i.e., from the weakest (C) to the strongest (A). Among 92 male pairs, 8 pairs (8.7%) showed no agonistic interactions (the amount of 3H-2B aerated was 121.8 ± 37.7 ng/♂ pair); in five pairs (5.4%), the dominant males exhibited the weakest attack strength (C) (the amount of 3H-2B aerated was 689.6 ± 273.7 ng/♂ pair, and the actual attack duration was 9.6 ± 2.4 min); in 53 pairs (57.6%), the dominant males exhibited the median attack strength (B) (the amount of 3H-2B aerated was 5396.2 ± 449.0 ng/♂ pair, and the actual attack duration was 22.7 ± 1.6 min); and in 26 pairs (28.3%), the dominant males exhibited the highly escalated attack strength (A) (the amount of 3H-2B aerated was 7910.4 ± 1120.6 ng/♂ pair, and the actual attack duration was 24.9 ± 2.9 min). With attack strengths (A) and (B), a linear relationship existed between the amount of 3H-2B aerated and the attack duration, indicating that the longer the attack duration was, the more 3H-2B which was emitted. Also the increased 3H-2B emission rate with the highly escalated attack strength (A) was significantly higher than that with the median attack strength (B). Using a Vaseline-coating method, we clearly demonstrated that in the first encountered fight , 3H-2B is emitted by dominant males.

After rank establishment, the daily 3H-2B release rate in the dominant males is not constant but fluctuates. The fluctuating 3H-2B daily release implies that it is a kind of strategic release, i.e., the more-capable a dominant male in sustaining a gradual decrease in the 3H-2B release, the longer the dominance rank will last, otherwise it will soon have to relinquish the dominant rank. In fact, the release of 3H-2B was not related to rank establishment, but was related to rank maintenance. For rank maintenance, 3H-2B functioned as a submission-inducing phero- mone, to suppress the rival’s fighting ability and to keep the rival in a submissive status. Later in the domination period, when 3H-2B release in the dominant male gradually decreases and the fighting ability in the subordinate males gradually develops , as indexed by the increasing odds of subordinate’s aggressive posture (OSAP).

During rank maintenance, the OSAP is negatively correlated with the amount of 3H-2B released by the dominant male, and is positively correlated with the number of days of domination. The fact that the entire OSAP pattern in subordinate males can be significantly shifted forward or backward by manipulating the amount of 3H- 2B release in the dominant males indicates the existence of an evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS).

With progression of the time a male has been dominant, 3H-2B release in the AP-adopting subordinate males remains relatively stable, whereas the release by the dominant male steadily decreases to less than that of the subordinate males. On the day on which new rank is formed (either on the first encountered day, or later on the day of rank switch), significantly higher 3H-2B release is always associated with the dominant males. We showed how the unstable dominance hierarchy in N. cinerea is maintained via an ESS signaling system.

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Name Job Title Telephone Email Remark
Rong Kou Research Fellows 02-2789-9554 kourong@gate.sinica.edu.tw
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(I) Insect pheromone

  1. Kou*, R. and Y. S. Chow 1987  Calling behavior of the cotton bollworm, Heliothis  armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).  Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 80(4) : 490-493. (1995, IF 0.868)

  2. Kou*, R. and Y. S. Chow  1987  Emergence time and mating-related behavior of the cotton bollworm, Heliothis  armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in reversed photoperiod.  Bull. Inst. Zool. Academia Sinica  26(2) : 179-186. (2002, IF 0.5)

  3. Kou*, R., D. S. Tang and Y. S. Chow  1989  Alarm pheromone of the pentatomid bug, Erthesina fullo Thunberg (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). J. Chem. Ecol. 15(12) : 2695-2702. (1992, IF 1.35)

  4. Kou*, R., D. S. Tang, Y. S. Chow and H. K. Tseng  1990  Sex   pheromone components of the female smaller tea tortrix moth, Adoxophyes sp. (Lepidoptera : Tortricidae), in Taiwan.  J. Chem. Ecol. 16(4): 1409-1415. (1992, IF 1.35)

  5. Kou*, R. and Y. S. Chow  1991  Individual variation in the sex  pheromone of  the smaller tea tortrix moth, Adoxophyes sp. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).  J. Chem. Ecol. 17(9): 1917-1923. (1992, IF 1.35)

  6. Kou*, R., D. S. Tang and Y. S. Chow  1991  Effect of exogenous juvenile hormone on pheromone titer of the smaller tea tortrix moth, Adoxophyes sp. (Lepidoptera:Tortricidae).  Bull. Inst. Zool. Academia Sinica 30(4) : 311-317. (2002, IF 0.5)

  7. Kou*. R., Y. S. Chow, S. Takahashi and R. Yamaoka  1991  Evidence for the presence and nature of a female sex pheromone of Brithys crini Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).  J. Chem. Ecol. 17(10) : 2035-2042. (1992, IF 1.35)

  8. Kou*, R. 1992  Calling behavior and pheromone titer in the smaller tea tortrix moth, Adoxophyes sp. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).  J. Chem. Ecol. 18(6): 855-861. (IF1.35)

  9. Kou*, R., Y. S. Chow and C. C. Cheng  1992  Ovarian development and sex pheromone titer in the smaller tea tortrix Adoxophyes“ sp. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).  Bull. Inst. Zool. Academia Sinica 31(2): 105-110. (2002, IF 0.5)

  10. Kou*, R., Y. S. Chow and H. Y. Ho  1992  Chemical composition of sex pheromone gland extract in female oriental armyworm Pseudaletia separata“ Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).  Bull. Inst. Zool. Academia Sinica  31(4) : 246-250. (2002, IF 0.5)

  11. Kou*, R., H. Y. Ho, H. T. Yang, Y. S. Chow and H. J. Wu  1992  Investigation of the sex pheromone components of female Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis Guenee (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).  J. Chem. Ecol. 18(6) : 833-840. (IF 1.35)

  12. Chow, Y. S., R. Kou, R. S. Tsai and H. Y. Ho  1992  Antennal twisting as courtship behavior in a local blister beetle, Epicauta hirticornis.  Bull. Inst. Zool. Academia Sinica 32(1): 82-86. (2002, IF 0.5)

  13. Ho, H. Y., H. T. Yang, R. Kou and Y. S. Chow  1992  Sex pheromone of the brown cockroach, Periplaneta brunnea Burmeister I. Isolation.  Bull. Inst. Zool. Academia Sinica 31(3): 225-230. (2002, IF 0.5)

  14. Yang, H. T., C. S. Wang, R. Kou and Y. S. Chow  1992 Electroantennogram responses of periplanone-A and periplanone-B in the American cockroach.  J. Chem. Ecol. 18(3): 371-378. (IF 1.35)

  15.  Ho, H. Y., R. S. Tsai, E. L. Hsu, Y. S. Chow and R. Kou*  2002 Investigation of possible sex pheromone components of female loreyi leafworm Mythimna loreyi Duponchel (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).  Zool. Stu. 41 :188-193. (IF 0.5)

  16. Ho, H.Y., R. Kou and H.K. Tseng  2003  Semiochemicals from the predatory stink bug Eocanthecona furcellata(Wolff): components of metathoracic gland, dorsal abdominal gland and sternal gland secretions.  J. Chem. Ecol. 29 (9): 2101-2114. (IF 1.67)

(II) Insect endocrinology

  1. Kou*, R., M. P. Tu, C. Y. Chang and C. M. Yin  1995  Isolated cell type corpora allata in adults of the loreyi leafworm, Leucania loreyi Duponchel (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae).  J. Morphol. 225(3): 369-376. (IF 0.8)

  2. Ho, H. Y., M. P. Tu, C. Y. Chang, C. M. Yin and R. Kou*  1995 Identification of in vitro release products of corpora allata in female and male loreyi leafworm, leucania loreyi.  Experientia 51(6) : 601-605. (1998, IF 2.0)

  3. Kou*, R. and M. P. Tu  1998  Juvenoid biosynthesis by the corpora allata of adult female and male loreyi leafworm, Mythimna loreyi Duponchel (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae).  Zool. Stu. 37(2) : 119-125. (IF 0.5)

  4. Kou*, R. and S. J. Chen  2000  Allatotropic activity in the suboesophageal ganglia and the corpora cardiaca of the adult male loreyi leafworm, Mythimna loreyi.  Arch. Insect  Biochem. Physiol. 43 (2) : 78-86. (IF 1.1)

  5. Kou*, R. and S. J. Chen  2000  Allatotropic and nervous control of corpora allata in the adult male loreyi leafworm, Mythimna loreyi ( Lepidoptera : Noctuidae).  Physiol. Entomol. 25(3) : 273-280. (IF 0.8)

  6. Hsieh, Y. C., E. L. Hsu, Y. S. Chow and R. Kou*  2001  Effects of calcium channel antagonists on the corpora allata of adult male loreyi leafworm Mythimna loreyi - juvenile hormone acids release and intracellular calcium level.  Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 48(2) : 89-99. (IF 1.2)

  7. Tu, M. P., R. Kou, Z. S. Wang, J. G. Stoffolano Jr. and C. M. Yin  2001  Immunolocation and possible effect of a moth allatotropin-like substance     in a fly, Phormia regina  (Diptera: Calliphoridae).  J. Insect Physiol. 47(3):    233-244. (IF 1.49)

  8. Hsieh, Y. C., E. L. Hsu and R. Kou*  2002  Pharmacological effects of calcium channel antagonists on juvenile hormone acid release and intracellular calcium level in the corpora allata of adult male Mythimna loreyi (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).  Zool. Stu. 42(2) : 336-345. (IF 0.5)

  9. Hsieh, Y. C., E. C. Yang, E. L. Hsu, Y. S. Chow and R. Kou*  2002  Voltage-dependent calcium channels in the corpora allata of adult male loreyi leafworm Mythimna loreyi.  Insect Biochem. Molec. Biol. 32(5) : 547-557. (IF 2.3)

  10. Kou* R.  2002  Cholinergic regulation of the corpora allata in adult male loreyi leafworm  Mythimna loreyi.  Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 49(4) : 215-224. (IF 1.5)

  11. Tu, M. P., R. Kou, G. O’Remus, C. M. Yin and J. G. Stoffolano Jr.  2002  Allatotropic activity in the brain of female Phormia regina  (Diptera:     Calliphoridae).  J. Insect Physiol. 48(7): 733-741. (IF 1.79)

  12. Chen, Y.R., S.C. Chen, H.W. Chang, and R. Kou*  2005  Effect of exogenous juvenile hormone III and precocene II on agonistic behavior and corpora allata in vitro activity in male lobster cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea (Dictyoptera: Blaberidae).  Zool. Stu. 44(3) : 409-416. (IF 0.6)

(III) Insect aggression

  1. Kou*, R., S.C. Chen, Y.R. Chen, and H.Y. Ho  2006  3-Hydroxy-2-butanone and the first encountered fight in the male lobster cockroach, Nauphoeta cinerea.  Naturwissenschaften 93(6) : 286-291. (IF 2.0)

  2. Chou, S.Y., Z.Y. Huang, S.C. Chen, R.L. Yang, and R. Kou*  2007 Antenna contact and agonism in the male lobster cockroach, Nauphoeta cinerea.  Horm. Behav. 52(2) : 252-260. (IF 3.7)

  3. Chen, S.C., R.L. Yang, H.Y. Ho, S.Y. Chou and R. Kou*  2007  Strategic 3-hydroxy-2-butanone release in the dominant male lobster cockroach, Nauphoeta cinerea.  Naturwissenschaften 94(11) : 927-933. (IF 1.9)

  4. Kou*, R., H.W. Chang, Z.Y. Huang, and R.L. Yang  2008  Pheromone, juvenile hormone, and social status in the male lobster cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea.  Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 68(3) : 144-155. (IF 1.2)

  5. Kou*, R., Chou, S.Y., Z.Y. Huang, and R.L. Yang  2008  Juvenile hormone levels are increased in winners of cockroach fights.  Horm. Behav. 54(4) : 521-527. (IF 3.8)

  6. Kou, R., H.W. Chang, S.C. Chen and H.Y. Ho  2009  Suppression pheromone and cockroach rank formation. Naturwissenschaften 96(6) : 691-701. (IF 2.3)

  7. Kou*, R., Chou, S.Y.,  S.C. Chen and Z.Y. Huang  2009  Juvenile hormone and the ontogeny of cockroach aggression.  Horm. Behav. 56(3) : 332-338. (IF 3.7)

  8. Kou*, R. and C.C. Hsu  2013  Mating enhances the probability of winning aggressive encounters in male lobster cockroaches.  Horm. Behav. 64(3) : 546–556. (IF 4.5)

  9. Kou*, R., C.C. Hsu, S.C. Chen, P.Y. Chang and S. Fang   2019  Winner and loser effects in lobster cockroach contests for social dominance. Horm. Behav. 107 : 49-60. (IF. 4.4)

  10. Kou*, R., S. C. Chen, R. L. Yang and C. C. Hsu   2019   Photoperiod-dependent release of suppression pheromone in the male lobster cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea.  The Science of Nature 106:56. (IF 1.8)