Female moths release PBAN into their hemolymph during the scotophase to stimulate the biosynthesis of the unique pheromone that will attract the conspecific males.
PBAN release is drastically reduced after mating, contributing to the loss in female receptivity.
[1] In black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon), it has been shown that the juvenile hormone helps induce release of PBAN which goes on to influence pheromone production and responsiveness in females and males, respectively.
[2] In the oriental tobacco budworm (Helicoverpa assulta), the circadian rhythm of pheromone production is closely associated with PBAN release.
[3] The precise regulatory mechanisms exerted by PBAN on the different steps of pheromone biosynthesis remain to be determined.