Influence of Mating Frequency on Lifetime Fecundity in Wild Females of the Small White Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera, Pieridae) Influence of Mating Frequency on Lifetime Fecundity in Wild Females of the Small White Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera, Pieridae)

Females of the small white Pieris rapae were captured in the field and dissected to investigate whether the reproductive output of mating is affected by the number of male-donated spermatophores. Mating frequency was determined by counting spermatophores in the bursa copulatrix. During their lifespan, females had mated 3 times on average. After the adult eclosion, a female had 450 immature eggs in the ovaries. Polygamous females were estimated to lay 100 more eggs throughout the course of their lives than did monogamous ones. Thus, mating frequency is seen to be important for reproductive success in females of the species.

Females of the small white Pieris rapae were captured in the field and dissected to investigate whether the reproductive output of mating is affected by the number of male-donated spermatophores. Mating frequency was determined by counting spermatophores in the bursa copulatrix. During their lifespan, females had mated 3 times on average. After the adult eclosion, a female had 450 immature eggs in the ovaries. Polygamous females were estimated to lay 100 more eggs throughout the course of their lives than did monogamous ones. Thus, mating frequency is seen to be important for reproductive success in females of the species.