Sperm Competition in the Soybean Looper (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

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Abstract
Sperm use patterns in the soybean looper, Pseudoplusia includens (Walker), were examined with electrophoretic enzyme markers. Sixteen of 18 females mated more than once in a laboratory setting; of these, 5 mated four times, 3 mated three times, and 8 mated twice. Nine females met the experimental criteria for paternity analysis using a maximum likelihood method. Paternity probabilities indicated that, after a second mating, most females (five) primarily use the sperm from the first male for fertilization of their eggs. This pattern varied, however: two females showed a small amount of sperm mixing and two showed second male sperm precedence. Benefits to females of multiple mating do not appear to be related to sperm replenishment but may instead occur to provide additional nutrients from spermatophores or to compensate for infertile initial matings.

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