Multiple mating and its effect on the reproductive success of female Epiphyas postvittana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Abstract

Abstract. Multiple mating and its effect on reproductive performance of female Epiphyas postvittana (Walker) moths were studied under controlled conditions. The age at which the moths mated for the first time ranged from the first to the tenth day after emergence, but 71% of first matings were during the first 3 days. The majority (63%) of females had one or two spermatophores in the bursa copulatrix. Some (24%) were found with three to five spermatophores, whereas no successful mating occurred among 13% of individuals. The number of matings was partly dependent on the number of mates available to the female. Between the range of sex ratios of one male to one female and four males to one female maximal mating success occurred at the ratio of three males to one female. Virgin females were capable of egg‐laying, but mating stimulated and accelerated oviposition. Mated individuals laid twice as many eggs as unmated ones. The level of copulatory activity did not influence the longevity of females irrespective of the number of males available to them. Sex ratios with greater than one male to a female improved the reproductive success by marginally increasing fecundity and fertility. It is concluded that multiple mating would enhance population growth, and is of particular benefit to populations with a preponderance of females, as is known to occur naturally in this species.