Reproduction of the Indian Meal Moth (Plodia interpunctella, lepidoptera, pyralidae): Mating success, polygyny, polyandry

摘要

The mating success of Plodia interpunctella was studied under the artificial conditions of polygyny and monoandry. More than 40% of the fecund females were fertilized without the actual transfer of a spermatophore. About 45% of the females did not lay eggs. Cases of complete sterility or low fertility of the females were recorded even in the cases when the spermatophore was transferred. On the whole, 70% of the matings were unsuccessful under the experimental conditions. It is suggested that incompatibility of mates is a very important factor in reproduction of P. interpunctella which increases the significance of polyandry and polygyny as mechanisms of increasing the number of males participating in reproduction.