Effect of mating with males reared in continuous light or in light-dark cycles on fecundity in Plodia interpunctella Hübner (Lepidoptera: Phycitidae)

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Abstract Females of Plidia interpunctella mated with males reared under continuous light (LL) and those mated with males under light-dark cycles (LD) differed significantly in fecundity. Although spermatophores were transferred in most cases by the males, LD males stimulated more females to lay, which consequently increased total egg production. However, the individual females that were inseminated by either LL or LD males showed no significant differences either in production or in rate of laying. A single mating with a LD male was more effective than two matings with LL males. The light regime in which the females were reared did not influence oviposition. The difference in oviposition induced by matings with LL and LD males was, therefore, due to the inadequacy of LL males.