 Mated females require more food than unmated ones because their bodies need to produce offspring. This increased demand for food is regulated by two types of neurons, one type that receives inhibitory signals from another type of neuron. When the male deposits ex pheromones into the female's body during mating, these inhibitory signals are blocked, allowing the first type of neuron to be activated and increase the amount of food consumed. This article was authored by Megan Latterny, Gabriella R. Stern and Kristen Scott.