Abstract
A large number of decapod crustaceans with sexual dimorphism in body size, most of which, are important economic animals. Besides, some of them such as the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii possess strong invasive ability and would damage ecosystem environment. Thereby, monosex culture of decapods would contribute to not only increasing yield and profits, but also reducing the risks of biological invasion. Insulin‐like androgenic gland hormone was reported to be a key regulator in sex differentiation. All‐male populations in Macrobrachium rosenbergii were successfully produced through insulin‐like androgenic gland hormone manipulation. In addition to sex differentiation, insulin‐like androgenic gland hormone was reported to be involved in male secondary sex characteristics maintenance, growth, metabolism, morphology change, ovary development and other functions. Considering its important application value for decapods, insulin‐like androgenic gland hormone has attracted much attention in recent years. This hormone was reported to have the structure and function similar to androgenic gland hormone of isopods. In this study, the origin of name of androgenic gland hormone and insulin‐like androgenic gland hormone was investigated, and the recent research on structure, function, application and molecular regulation mechanism of insulin‐like androgenic gland hormone of decapods was reviewed.