Which is a Sign of Reproductive Maturity

Abstract

Female Papilio zelicaon in unlike populations show a hateful frequency of 1.2-1.ix matings, with a maximum of three. Mating frequency increases with female age. No seasonal or latitudinal mating frequency differences were discovered merely mating frequency was significantly greater in females from montane populations compared to lowland females. This difference was interpreted as resulting from increased mating frequency of selected males in “hilltop” areas leading to sperm/accessory gland depletion and rapid return of sexual receptivity in females mated to such males. Use of sperm from the terminal male in a mating sequence (sperm deportation) occurred in a double-mated female using a red-eyed mutant equally a genetic marking. Females mated to mature males laid more ova than those paired with immature males, while no differences were noted between the latter grouping and virgin females. Oviposition appears to exist influenced more by sperm quantity and/or accessory gland secretion than by physical presence of the spermatophore. Rapid multiple mating past males leads to smaller spermatophores deficient in sperm. Sperm is produced continuously at a compatible rate during the male person’s life whereas production charge per unit of accessory gland secretions decreases with male age. At least 40-fifty% of males less than 12 hr old are incapable of insemination of females. Male mating power (related to variance and duration of copulation) is low from 0-12 hr, peaks at age 2-8 days, so gradually declines. Extended copulation occurred in immature and one-time males and in 2d matings of rapid mating sequences. This was regarded as permitting sperm/accessory fluids to be produced and transferred in copulo while allowing depleted or young males to exploit mating opportunities.