ISSN:
1572-8889
Keywords:
Danaus plexippus
;
monarch butterflies
;
spermatophores
;
stimulation of oogenesis
;
vitellogenesis
;
mating age
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract We studied the relationship between the timing of mating and oogenesis in monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) to determine (1) the potential for male nutrient input into eggs and (2) whether mating stimulates egg development. Most females mated soon after they started maturing eggs. One and 2 days after mating, females contained the same number of mature oocytes as virgin females of the same age, while 3 days after mating they contained more mature oocytes than did virgins. These results confirm the potential for male-derived nutrients to augment oocyte production, but indicate that mating is not required for oocyte maturation to occur.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01997239
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