Changes in sperm stores, ejaculate size, fertilization success, and sexual motivation over repeated matings in the common toad, Bufo bufo (Anura: Bufonidae)

摘要: Fertilization is of central importance in the determination reproductive success for both males and females. In species where have chance to mate repeatedly within a short period time, sperm stocks may become depleted carefully economize on their reserves. Also, intensive intrasexual competition females repeated matings lead exhaustion behavioural level. To determine whether potential limited if such limitation due or depletion, we experimentally investigated changes stores, expenditure, fertilization success, sexual motivation over three common toad, Bufo bufo, breeding season sequential polygyny occurs. At end season, number stored testes mated was close 50% lower than unmated males. Ejaculate size, which estimated by applying novel method allowing direct quantification, decreased 88% from first third matings. We also observed drop two 65%, largest that had started bad body condition. Some these showed interest mating round. Our results suggest depletion loss together set limit toad The present study draws attention potential, occur more often currently anticipated has strongly influence several aspects behaviour. © 2009 Linnean Society London, Biological Journal Society, 2009, 96, 361–371. ADDITIONAL KEYWORDS: ejaculate collection – natural history reproduction conflict depletion.