Protein restriction affects sperm number but not sperm viability in male ants

摘要: Abstract Sperm cells are costly to produce; diet should therefore affect sperm number and/or viability. In non-social insects and vertebrates, there is compelling evidence that influences production. Less known about this relationship in eusocial hymenopterans (all ants some bees wasps), whose mating systems impose unique selective pressures on Males face physiological constraints: they acquire all of the resources will use future reproductive efforts as larvae emerge from pupal stage with a fixed, non-renewable amount sperm. Furthermore, males die shortly after copulation, but their genetic material persists for years since spermatozoa stored mates’ spermathecae. We examined effects protein restriction during larval development viability Argentine ant Linepithema humile. also looked at its impact male development, adult mass, fluctuating asymmetry. found significantly reduced production, not It did reared, or However, protein-restricted nests developed much more slowly than protein-supplemented nests. These results suggest investing quality somatic growth, which enhances male’s ability disperse find mate, critical successful reproduction.