Removal of rival sperm during copulation in a beetle, Tenebrio molitor

Article Abstract:

The male Tenebrio molitor's ability to remove rival sperm during copulation was observed using electron microscopy of gold-coated penile shafts and spines. Virgin male beetles who first mated with virgin females had no sperm on their penile spines. Males who mated next had trapped sperm on their penile spines which were removed by a scouring mechanism prior to ejaculation. Thus, male beetles do intense post-copulatory guarding when there are a lot of male beetles around to protect their sperms from being scoured.

Analysis, Sexual behavior in animals, Animal sexual behavior, Sexual intercourse

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Number of mating males and mating interval affect last-male sperm precedence in Tenebrio molitor L

Article Abstract:

A study was conducted to examine the patterns of sperm use and the mechanisms behind them in a variety of sperm-competitive situations, for the yellow mealworm beetle called Tenebrio molitor. The result reveals same last-male sperm precedence when two or three males mated, but it depends on mating intervals, and results in paternity bias.

Influence, Courtship of animals, Mating behavior, Spermatozoa, Sperm, Mating behaviour

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Chemosensory cues allow male Tenebrio molitor beetles to access the reproductive status of potential mates

Article Abstract:

The effects of female reproductive status on male mate choice in a polygynanadrous beetle, Tenebrio molitor, were examined. It was also seen that male T. molitor beetles could assess female reproductive status from chemical cues alone.

Animal reproduction

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