Polyandry in the mind bugLygocoris pabulinus(L.)—effects on sexual communication and fecundity

Abstract

Lygocorispabulinus females are polyandrous under laboratory conditions (Groot et al., 1998). As the insect mating system affects sexual communication and thus sexual behavior as a whole, we studied sperm transfer, storage and displacement in L. pabulinus. To be able to fully understand these processes, detailed information on the female reproductive tract is essential. Therefore, we first studied the female genitalia in detail. The bursa copulatrix consists of four plates, and a spermatheca is connected anteriorly to the bursa. At copulation a spermatophore is formed in the spermatheca. The spermatophore is compartmentalized, consisting of a spermcontaining portion, a large sperm-free portion and a mating plug. After 24 h the spermatophore has partially disintegrated. The mating plug is still intact but reduced in size. Sperm are found throughout the spermatheca and in the median and lateral oviducts where fertilization most likely takes place. The amount of male-derived substances transferred to females during first matings was ca. 5.2% relative to male body weight. To understand the effects of matings on the sexual communication, we determined sexual attraction of mated females at long and close range. At long range females were unattractive for only 1-2 h after mating, while they remained attractive at close range. Mated males were not attracted to virgin females for 2 h after mating, and only 23% of the tested males mated again within 24h. Together, these results suggested a high paternal investment that may affect reproductive output. To determine if this is the case, and hence if multiple matings affect fecundity andlor longevity, we conducted two oviposition experiments. From these experiments no positive effects on total fecundity or longevity in multiply mated females were apparent.

Sperm storage by spermatodoses in the spermatheca of Trioza alacris (Flor, 1861) hemiptera, psylloidea, triozidae: A structural and ultrastructural study

“…However, the role of the female secretion in female‐determined spermatophores may have been misunderstood. For instance, in pairs of the Mirid bug, Lygocoris pabulinus , fixed during copulation, a ‘balloon‐like structure seemed to erect from the aedeagus, extending into the spermatheca and surrounding the spermatophore’ (Groot and Smid,2000, p. 152). Although in that article the structure was compared to the spermatophore sac during spermatophore transfer in Rhodnius prolixus (Davey, 1960 as cited by Davey,1985), the picture resembles the nascent spermatodose of T. alacris .…”

Mating and social contact change egg production and longevity in adult females of the mirid Lygus hesperus

“…The enhanced rate of egg production promoted by multiple matings is a common response among insects (Arnqvist & Nilsson, ) and has been observed in another mirid (Smith, ). In contrast, some mirids are either monandrous or gain no fecundity benefits from multiple matings (Abasa, ; Blommers et al., ; Groot & Smid, ; Wheeler, ; Takahashi & Higuchi, ; Gemeno et al., ; Okutani‐Akamatsu et al., ; Siswanto et al., ). Many L. hesperus in this study mated more than once, and previous dissections of females from this stock colony have found as many as nine spermatophores (unpubl.).…”

Post‐mating enhancement of fecundity in female Lygus hesperus

“…This is a common response among insects (Arnqvist & Nilsson, 2000) and is observed in another mirid (Smith, 1977). On the other hand, there are numerous examples of mirids that mate only once or are polyandrous but appear to gain no fecundity benefits beyond that derived from a single mating (Abasa, 1973; Blommers et al , 1997; Groot et al , 2000; Wheeler, 2001; Takahashi & Higuchi, 2006; Gemeno et al , 2007; Okutani‐Akamatsu et al , 2009; Siswanto et al , 2009). Because the present experiment only observes part of the adult life of L. hesperus , it is possible that the effect of polyandry on egg production cannot be sustained and does not influence the lifetime fecundity of the female.…”