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Rearing and Long-Term Maintenance of Eristalis tenax Hoverflies for Research Studies

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Dual reproductive cost of aging in male Medflies: dramatic decrease in mating competitiveness and gradual reduction

Stella A Papanastasiou¹, Alexandros D Diamantidis, Christos T Nakas

¹Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Phytokou Street, N. Ionia 384 46 Magnisias, Greece.

Journal of Insect Physiology

|August 2, 2011

Summary

Aging significantly reduces male mating success in lekking species like the Mediterranean fruit fly. Older males struggle against younger rivals, impacting their reproductive competitiveness despite maintaining mating performance.

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Area of Science:

Reproductive biology
Animal behavior
Gerontology

Background:

Male aging effects on reproductive success are known in some species.
The impact of aging on mating success in lekking species remains under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the cost of aging on male reproductive success in the lekking Mediterranean fruit fly.
To test if aging affects male mating performance and mating competitiveness.

Main Methods:

No-choice and choice mating tests were conducted.
Mating success, mating competitiveness, copulation duration, and sperm transfer were assessed.

Main Results:

Older males had reduced mating probability when competing with younger males.
Aging decreased male mating performance but did not prevent mating in non-competitive scenarios.
Older males had shorter copulations, and female mating readiness decreased with male age.
Sperm transfer and storage were unaffected by male age.

Conclusions:

Aging imposes a significant cost on male mating competitiveness in lekking species.
Older males are outcompeted by younger rivals, despite retaining sexual capabilities.
Female choice is crucial, with age negatively influencing female receptivity.