The contribution of multiple mating and spermatophore consumption to the lifetime reproductive success of female field crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus)

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The adaptive significance of multiple mating by female Gryllus bimaculatus (De Geer) was investigated. Multiple mating prevented the depletion of sperm stores and, therefore, maintained high hatching success. This may not, however, explain the high frequency of remating in this species. Male‐derived egg stimulants known to be passed with sperm at mating increased the number of eggs produced only when females mated throughout their lifespans. Spermatophore consumption appeared to provide nutrients which, while they did not increase the quantity of eggs, increased egg quality as indicated by weight. Females who consumed spermatophores had a greater hatching success. While females may derive non‐genetic benefits from mating, these are apparently long‐term benefits; females must mate throughout their lives in order to accrue them. Since the benefits of mating may not be derived from individual males, the spermatophores and their contents in this species are best considered as mating effort.

Nuptial food gifts influence female egg production in the scorpionfly Panorpa cognata

“…However, in most studies that have addressed the question of female benefits of polyandry in species with nuptial gifts, it has been difficult to disentangle direct nutritional benefits from direct benefits from multiple mating and sperm replenishment per se . The relatively few equivalent studies in other species with nuptial food gifts have revealed both substantial effects ( Gwynne, 1984;Steele, 1986;Simmons, 1988Simmons, , 1990Brown, 1997;Reinhold, 1999 ) as well as no apparent benefits from nuptial feeding Jones et al , 1986;Wedell & Arak, 1989;Will & Sakaluk, 1994;Vahed & Gilbert, 1997;Maxwell, 2000;Vahed, 2003 ). Data from Mecoptera, which includes a large number of species with nuptial food gifts, have thus far been lacking.…”

“…Baker et al , 2001;Drnevich et al , 2001 ) and substances in the ejaculate may induce egg production (see, for example, Chapman et al , 1998 ) and stimulate oviposition ( Leopold, 1976;Eberhard, 1996 ). Therefore, in many studies demonstrating direct benefits from nuptial gifts ( Hayashi, 1998;Ryne et al , 2001;Fedorka & Mousseau, 2002;Rooney & Lewis, 2002 ; for earlier papers see Vahed, 1998 ) it is difficult to disentangle benefits from nuptial feeding from other effects resulting from multiple mating or increased sperm transfer (but see Gwynne, 1984;Steele, 1986;Simmons, 1988Simmons, , 1990Brown, 1997;Reinhold, 1999 ). In this study, using the scorpionfly Panorpa cognata (Ramb.)…”

The relative roles of predation and sperm competition on the duration of the post-copulatory association between the sexes in the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus

“…As a result, search times for non-virgins may be high and/or encounter rates may be low. Non-virgins may seek out additional males to mate with if they are released while still vulnerable to predation or if, as in a variety of other species, they receive a small amount of sperm (Gromko et al 1984;Simmons 1988;Waddy and Aiken 1990;Sainte-Marie 1993). Otherwise, non-virgins may resist the mating advances of males because paired females miss feeding opportunities necessary for growth after molting.…”

Larval Life History Responses to Food Deprivation in Three Species of Predatory Lady Beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

“…The hatchability declined as the prey abundance was reduced. Simmons (1988) reported high consumption of suitable prey to increase the weight of eggs, which contained a large quantity of yolk and consequently increased egg viability. Elhabi et al (2000) reported a mean hatchability of 79% for the same species.…”