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Micropyle number is associated with elevated female promiscuity in Lepidoptera
Graziella Iossa1, Matthew J G Gage2, Paul E Eady3
1School of Life Sciences, Joseph Banks Laboratories, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK giossa@lincoln.ac.uk.
Biology Letters
|December 23, 2016
Summary
Female insect reproduction varies in micropyle number, influencing fertilization success. Increased micropyle numbers correlate with female promiscuity, suggesting a role in post-copulatory sexual selection and cryptic female choice.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Insect Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- In insects, sperm fertilize eggs through a micropyle, a canal in the chorion.
- Significant variation exists in micropyle number, location, and arrangement across species, with unclear functional significance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between female mating patterns and micropyle number in Lepidoptera.
- To test hypotheses explaining micropylar variation related to sperm limitation, polyspermy, and sexual selection.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of micropyle number across various Lepidoptera species.
- Correlation of micropyle number with female promiscuity indicators, such as spermatophore count.
Main Results:
- Micropyle number showed a positive correlation with female promiscuity, indicated by spermatophore count.
- This relationship was independent of phylogenetic signals, strengthening the link to sexual selection.
Conclusions:
- Micropyle number in Lepidoptera is significantly shaped by post-copulatory sexual selection.
- Findings support the role of micropyle variation in cryptic female choice and managing fertilization risks like sperm limitation and polyspermy.
