Cost of mating: a study on physiological trade-offs between fecundity and longevity in laboratory reared Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) female moths

Abstract

Oviposition by the female moths of H. armigera began on the third day of emergence; however, mating stimulated earlier oviposition. Hence, we carried out experiments to demonstrate trade-off between fecundity and longevity and to know their relationship in H. armigera female moths. Investigation showed that there was twofold increase in fecundity of mated females mated for once and virgin females survived one week more than the mated female moths. Fecundity and longevity are coupled and are negatively related decreasing the lifespan of virgin females may be because of diversion of more resources for egg development and oviposition, leaving fewer resources for survival.