title: The influence of female age on male mating preference and reproductive success in cabbage beetle, Colaphellus bowringi.
abstract: The influence of female age on male mating preference and reproductive success has been studied using a promiscuous cabbage beetle, Colaphellus bowringi Baly (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). In a simultaneous choice test, middle-aged females had significantly greater mating success than young and old females. In single pair trials, when paired with middle-aged virgin males, middle-aged females mated faster, copulated longer, and had greater fecundity and fertility than young or old females, while the longevity of males was not significantly affected by female age. This study on C. bowringi suggests that middle-aged females are more receptive to mating, which can result in the highest male reproductive success.
authors: Institute of Entomology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang.
authors: Xing-Ping
authors: XP
authors: Liu
authors: Hai-Min
authors: HM
authors: He
authors: Fang-Sen
authors: FS
authors: Xue
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001517:Coleoptera / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D008297:Male; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Colaphellus bowringi Baly; age; behavioral responses; mate preference; reproductive fitness