Mating patterns in the aphidophagous ladybird, Hippodamia variegata, depend on body size

European Journal of Environmental Sciences

关键词: reproduction;    fecundity;    mating duration;    aphid;    evolution;    copulation;   

DOI  :  

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Body size dependent mating patterns were investigated in an aphidophagous ladybird, Hippodamia variegata (Goeze), which was rearedon mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.). Both males and females of varying body sizes were used to test the hypothesis that bigger isbetter. The costs of copulation on the life history traits of the mating partners were determined. Pairs of virgin beetles were allowed to mateonce under controlled conditions and the duration of copulation of heavy beetles (504.00 ± 45.93 min) lasted significantly longer for thanthat of light beetles (270.00 ± 26.67 min). Body size was significantly positively correlated with duration of oviposition, fecundity and eggviability. When light individuals mated with heavy partners, copulation lasted longer between heavy males and light females (483.00 ± 54.73 min) than between light males and heavy females (378.20 ± 83.03 min). These results support the hypothesis that males determinethe duration of copulation and that the reproductive success of large males is greater than that of small males. The longevity of heavymales was significantly shorter (37.40 ± 1.50 days) than that of light males (53.10 ± 2.84 days). This difference in the longevity of beetles ofdifferent sizes could contribute to the significant variation body size in H. variegata recorded both in the field and stock cultures, where lightmales outnumber heavy ones. Thus, although large males have a reproductive advantage over small males, other factors, such as reducedlongevity, may constrain the evolution of even larger males.

【 授权许可】

Unknown