
Hormonal regulation in insects
Hormonal regulation in insects involves the release of hormones that control various life processes, such as growth, development, reproduction, and behavior. The main hormones include ecdysteroids, which trigger molting and growth, and juvenile hormones, which regulate developmental stages. When an insect molts, ecdysteroids signal the body to shed its old exoskeleton, while juvenile hormones help determine whether the insect will grow into a larger version of its current form or transition into a different stage, such as adulthood. This complex hormonal interplay allows insects to adapt to their environment and complete their life cycles effectively.