Canadian Journal of Zoology (2000) 78, 2045-2050

Martin A. Schlaepfer and Jeremy N. McNeil (2000)
Are virgin male lepidopterans more successful in mate acquisition than previously mated individuals? A study of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Canadian Journal of Zoology 78 (11), 2045-2050
Abstract: Male phenotypic quality may significantly influence female reproductive success. Depletion of sperm and accessory-gland secretions with successive matings represents a reduction in male phenotypic quality and is known to decrease female reproductive output in several lepidopteran species, including the European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis. We therefore tested the hypothesis that female ECBs, given the simultaneous choice of an experienced male and a virgin male, preferentially mate with the virgin. However, contrary to prediction, females mated significantly more often with experienced males. Experienced males were significantly lighter than their virgin counterparts, the result of producing three spermatophores that were transferred during previous matings. However, differences in body mass or wing-loading did not appear to play an important role, for within either the experienced or virgin classes, heavier males obtained more matings than lighter ones. Why would females prefer to mate with sexually experienced males? Females may not be exercising any precopulatory choice, and the greater mating success of previously mated males may be related to previous experience. Behavioral observations, however, suggest that female choice occurred. In the process of selecting experienced males, the number of consecutive matings was correlated with low fluctuating asymmetry of the forewing (R-L). This suggests that males who acquired 3 consecutive matings were of above-average quality and were actively selected by females.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Jeremy N. McNeil

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Ostrinia nubilalis