Fecundity and Longevity of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Effects of Multiple Mating

Under a reverse photoperiod, the effects of multiple mating by female and male Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) moths on female reproductive fitness were investigated. Comparisons of numbers of eggs laid and longevity of singly and multiply mated females revealed a positive relationship between the number of spermatophores received by a female and her oviposition rate in eggs laid per day and fecundity, and a negative relationship between the number of spermatophores and longevity. Male mating history had a significant influence on female fecundity. The fecundity of females mated to virgin males was higher than the fecundity of females mated to previously mated males. These results are discussed in relation to the possible benefits derived by females from multiple mating.