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Polyandry in Lepidoptera: a heritable trait in Spodoptera exigua Hübner
L M Torres-Vila1, M C Rodríguez-Molina, J Gragera
1Departamento de Fitopatología, Servicio de Investigación y Desarrollo Tecnológico (SIA), Finca La Orden, Apdo. 22, E-06080 Badajoz, Spain. ltorresv@aym.juntaex.es
Heredity
|June 22, 2001
Summary
Polyandry in the beet armyworm is a complex, polygenic trait inherited through autosomal genes. This study reveals additive genetic variance, crucial for understanding insect mating systems.
Area of Science:
- * Behavioral Ecology
- * Genetics
- * Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- * Polyandry, where females mate with multiple males, is a significant reproductive strategy in many insect species.
- * Understanding the genetic underpinnings of polyandry is key to comprehending mating system evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the genetic basis and inheritance mode of polyandry in Spodoptera exigua (beet armyworm).
- * To determine if polyandry is controlled by a simple Mendelian or a complex polygenic system.
Main Methods:
- * Laboratory-based divergent selection experiment for high and low female mating frequency.
- * F1 reciprocal crosses, F2, and backcross generations analyzed.
- * Cavalli's joint scaling test and heritability estimates (H2) computed.
Main Results:
- * Effective response to artificial selection for high (H line) and low (L line) mating frequencies observed.
- * Polyandry levels in offspring were proportional to parental genetic contributions, indicating polygenic control.
- * Autosomal inheritance and no significant dominance for female mating frequency confirmed.
Conclusions:
- * Polyandry in Spodoptera exigua is a polygenic, autosomal heritable trait.
- * Additive genetic variance is available for selection on female mating frequency.
- * Findings contribute to theories on insect mating system evolution.