Kambiz Esfandi

Citation

Thesis Title
Plasticity in Reproduction and Survival under Dynamic Socio-Sexual Environment:
Empirical Evidence from Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Read article at Massey Research Online:

Mr Esfandi used a moth Ephestia kuehniella to test a number of theoretical predictions regarding strategies by both sexes for resource allocations under various socio-sexual environments. Males only respond to mean sperm competition levels and produce fertile sperm before and after emergence. Males' reproductive fitness depends on copulation numbers rather than sperm numbers. Copulation duration and sperm allocation are not positively correlated. Perception of additional mates increases males' courtship and reduces their reproductive outputs, offering a novel explanation for the success of mating disruption strategy in pest management. Perception of additional males makes females more receptive so that they mate more times and fertilise more eggs. Females call more in the absence than in the presence of conspecific individuals. Virgin females start oviposition earlier and live shorter in the presence of conspecific individuals. Mr Esfandi's research provides insights into the plasticity in reproduction and survival under dynamic socio-sexual environments.

Supervisors
Professor Qiao Wang
Dr Xiong Zhao He