Intra-specific variation in strategic ejaculation according to level of polyandry in Callosobruchus chinensis

J Insect Physiol. 2005 Nov;51(11):1240-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2005.07.001. Epub 2005 Aug 15.

Abstract

Optimal sperm allocation should differ according to the level of polyandry within a population, because the risk of sperm competition depends on the re-mating frequency of females. We compared the number of sperm ejaculated by males into the female reproductive organ between strains with different levels of polyandry in the adzuki bean beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) when males were reared in different larval densities in a bean. The results showed that males derived from a population with a higher level of polyandry increased ejaculatory expenditure when they were reared under higher larval densities. We discuss the evolutionary correlation of ejaculatory expenditure to the level of polyandry.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Evolution
  • Coleoptera / genetics
  • Coleoptera / physiology*
  • Ejaculation / physiology
  • Female
  • Larva / physiology
  • Male
  • Sexual Behavior, Animal / physiology*
  • Species Specificity
  • Sperm Count