Desiccation resistance is an adaptive life-history trait dependent upon cuticular hydrocarbons, and influenced by mating status and temperature in D. melanogaster

Terrestrial insects are susceptible to desiccation and conserve internal water stores by preventing the loss of water due to transpiration across the cuticle. The epicuticle, a thin waxy layer on the outer surface of the insect cuticle is comprised primarily of a complex blend of cuticular hydrocarbons (HCs) and is integral to preventing cuticular water loss. How the composition of epicuticular lipids (quantity and quality of the specific hydrocarbons) relates to desiccation resistance, however, has been difficult to determine. Here, we establish a model system to test the capacity of HCs to protect against desiccation in the vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Using this system, we demonstrate that the oenocytes and HCs produced by these cells are critically important for desiccation resistance, as measured by survival under desiccative conditions. Additionally, we show that both mating status and developmental temperature influence desiccation resistance. Prior mating increased desiccation survival through the direct transfer of HCs between sexual partners, as well as through a female-specific response to a male-derived factor transferred during copulation. Together, our results demonstrate that desiccation resistance is an adaptive life-history trait dependent upon HCs and influenced by prior social interactions and environmental conditions.