Delayed mating and its cost to female reproduction in the butterfly, Eurema hecabe

The timing of mating of females under semi-natural condition, male ejaculate production and their effects on female fecundity were examined in Eurema hecabe. Age of the first mating of females varied, and the number of matings increased with age. Male spermatophore production depended on age and body mass. The spermatophore mass at the second mating depended only on the interval between the first and second matings. The timing of the first mating and the spermatophore mass did not affect female fecundity. The timing of mating of females relative to the role of male spermatophores in female fecundity and male mating strategy are discussed.