Dietary macronutrient balance and fungal infection as drivers of spermatophore quality in the mealworm beetle

摘要: Abstract Males of many insects deliver ejaculates with nutritious substances to females in the form a spermatophore. Different factors can affect spermatophore quality. We manipulated males’ diet and health determine balance macronutrients deposited spermatophores Tenebrio molitor beetles. For diet, we varied concentration proteins carbohydrates, while for status used fungal infection. different condition copulated unmanipulated females, were extracted measure amount proteins, lipids carbohydrates. Diet infection had an effect on quality Diets high protein low carbohydrate contents produced higher protein, carbohydrate, lipid contents. In contrast, diets little carbohydrates led spermatophores. Infected males highest all three macronutrients. general, content was carbohydrates>proteins>=lipids. The fact that sick richer be explained as terminal investment strategy. large may related preparation spermatozoa males, eggs females.