Oviposition after sex: mated Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae) females increase oviposition without receiving an ejaculate

Mating and receiving ejaculate can alter female insect physiology and postcopulatory behaviour. During mating, females receive both internal and external stimuli and different components in the ejaculate. In insects, these components consist mostly of sperm and male accessory gland secretions. Some of the most important changes associated with receiving male accessory gland secretions are a reduction in female sexual receptivity and an increase in oviposition. However, a clear function for these molecules has not been found in the Mexican fruit fly Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Here, we tested how the stimulus of mating, receiving a full ejaculate, or only receiving accessory gland secretions can influence ovarian development and oviposition. Our results indicate that the stimulus of mating per se is enough to induce oviposition and increase egg laying in females even if ejaculate is not received, whereas receiving only accessory gland secretions does not increase ovarian development and is not enough to induce oviposition or increase egg production. Further research on the internal and external copulatory courtship of A. ludens will increase our understanding of the role of these secretions in stimulating oviposition independent of ejaculate effects. A biological function for male accessory gland secretions on female behaviour for A. ludens still needs to be found.

Automated summary

The act of mating alone is sufficient to induce oviposition and increase egg laying in female insects, even if ejaculate is not received. However, receiving only male accessory gland secretions does not increase ovarian development and is not enough to induce oviposition or increase egg production. Research is needed to further understand the role of these secretions in stimulating oviposition independent of ejaculate effects in the Mexican fruit fly Anastrepha ludens.