Life-history trade-off between macroptery and reproduction in the wing-dimorphic pygmy grasshopper Tetrix subulata (Orthoptera Tetrigidae)

Dimorphism in wing length is well known in many insect species. In those species a trade-off exists between dispersal capability and reproduction, with the long-winged (LW) morph being a better disperser due to superior flight capability. The short-winged (SW) morph is less mobile and it is hypothesised that females of this morph can invest more energy reserves into offspring production. Morphological examination supports the occurrence of two clearly distinct wing morphs in both sexes of the pygmy grasshopper Tetrix subulata (Orthoptera Tetrigidae). SW females produced larger eggs, in accordance with the reproductive compensation hypothesis. Male wing morph strongly influenced mating duration; mating of LW males with LW females lasted less than 1 min while those of SW males with SW females took around 19 min. Female wing length had little influence on the mating duration. Our results support the trade-off between wing development and reproduction.