Mating duration and spermatophore transfer in Cryptolaemusmontrouzieri (Coccinellidae)

The dynamics of sperm transfer during copulation is still poorly understood. In some insect species, the amount of sperm transferred in copulation is proportional to the copulation time. The interruption of copulation affects not only the adequate amount of sperm passed, but it can compromise the fertility of the females. In species where the duration of copulation is proportional to the transfer of sperm, changes in duration can affect the fecundity and fertility of females. We tested the average duration of the as Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant, 1850 (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) copulation and the effects of interrupted copulation on fecundity and fertility. We dissected females to access the size of fertilization sacs. We found that fecundity and fertility were compromised in all the treatments with interrupted copulation. The production of spermatophore is not directly proportional to the duration of the copula, where it is fully formed after at last 16 min of copulation. The study about the dynamics of ejaculate transfer can provide knowledge about the reproductive event of this ladybird.