Plays an olfactory role that is not restricted to pheromone sensitivity. Has a role in detection and signal transduction of the fatty-acid-derived male pheromone 11-cis vaccenyl acetate (cVA). Not required for sensitivity to general odorants. Acts in concert with Or67d and lush to capture cVA molecules on the surface of Or67d expressing olfactory dendrites and facilitate their transfer to the odorant-receptor Orco complex. Essential for the electrophysiological responses of these olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) to cVA. Not required for the development of trichoid OSNs and support cells. Selectively expressed in antenna. Expressed in lateral-distal population of OSNs that coexpress Orco, in non-neuronal support cells that surround these OSNs, in support cells elsewhere in the antenna and chemosensory organs on the proboscis. Expressed in trichoid sensory cilia (at protein level). In L3 instar larvae, expression increases with development. Expressed in the ring gland. Ubiquitously expressed in the testis whereas in the ovary expression appears to be restricted to one pole. Weak expression in the Garland cells, salivary glands and the central nervous system. Mutants are viable and fertile with no gross morphological or locomotor defects. Belongs to the CD36 family.