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. 2025 Mar;39(1):1-3.
doi: 10.1080/01677063.2025.2473095. Epub 2025 Mar 6.

Venerose: a nuptial gift with implications

Deepanshu N D Singh  1   2 , Matthias Soller  1   2
Affiliations

Venerose: a nuptial gift with implications

Deepanshu N D Singh et al. J Neurogenet. 2025 Mar.

Abstract

Males transfer many components in seminal fluid along with sperm during mating. While sex peptide is well established as a key regulator of female reproductive behaviour and success, the roles of other seminal fluid components remain less understood. A new Drosophila study now reveals functions for a sexually transmitted sugar in providing nutritional value and acting on nutrient-sensing neurons in the brain to maximize reproductive success. Here, we highlight the key findings of this study and explore the potential role of this sugar in male quality assessment by females and in modulation of cryptic female choice.

Keywords: Cryptic female choice; Female post‑mating behaviour; Neuroendocrinal regulation; Nuptial gift; Seminal fluid.

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Conflict of interest statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Venerose is a sexually transmitted sugar in Drosophila melanogaster. During mating males transfer venerose along with sperm and seminal fluid to females. Venerose is absorbed by the ovaries and serves as a nutrient source to increase egg production. Moreover, venerose enters the haemolymph and activates nutrient sensing Dh44 neurons in the brain to increase germ cell proliferation and sperm storage particularly in undernourished females.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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