Identification and functional characterization ofdoublesexgene in the testis ofSpodoptera litura

Fusion of the testis occurs in most Lepidoptera insects, including Spodoptera litura , an important polyphagous pest. Testicular fusion in S. litura is advantageous for male reproduction, and the molecular mechanism of fusion remains unknown. Doublesex influences the formation of genitalia, the behavior of courtship, and sexually dimorphic traits in fruit‐fly and silkworm, and is essential for sexual differentiation. However, its purpose in the...