Effect of mating frequency on female fitness in Caloglyphus berlesei (Astigmata : Acaridae)

We studied the effect of mating frequency on female longevity and fecundity in the mite Caloglyphus berlesei. We tested the hypothesis that high promi scuity is selected for in this species because females receive nutrients du ring copulation. Females were constantly exposed to either one or four male s and fed either a standard or poor diet. The prediction that frequent mati ng benefits females was not confirmed. On the contrary, females kept with f our males had significantly lower longevity on both diets and on the standa rd diet they also had decreased fecundity compared to females exposed to on e male. On the poor diet the number of males had no significant effect on f ecundity. Thus, increased mating frequency had a detrimental effect on fema le fitness.