Extreme variability in sperm precedence in the fungus beetle, Bolitotherus cornutus (Coleoptera Tenebrionidae)

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Abstract
Most previous studies of sperm precedence have reported only average values for species. Intraspecific variation in sperm precedence, however, is necessary for the evolution of adaptations that alter sperm precedence patterns. To examine intraspecific variation in sperm precedence, virgin female fungus beetles were mated to two different males in succession, and all females, males, and offspring were genotyped at eight allozyme loci. The proportion of offspring fathered by the second male varied from zero to one. Future studies should not only measure intraspecific variability in sperm precedence, but should attempt to determine causes of this variability.