The effects of selection for early and late reproduction on fecundity and longevity in bean weevil (Acanthoscelides obtectus)

Abstract

In the bean weevil (Acanthoscelides obtectus) selection for early and late reproduction was performed both under minimal stress and when adults were subjected to starvation. We obtained direct responses to selection in both early and late reproducing lines, but only under stressful conditions. Mortality rate differences between lines selected for early and for late fecundity were not observed. These findings suggest that the bean weevil has a genetic system which allows a nearly independent adjustment of age-dependent fecundity and mortality.