Fecundity and longevity of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae):Effects of multiple mating

Under a reverse photoperiod, the effects of multiple mating by female and m ale Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) moths on female reproductive fitness were investigated. Comparisons of numbers of eggs laid and longevity of singly and multiply mated females revealed a positive relationship between the num ber of spermatophores received by a female and her oviposition rate in eggs laid per day and fecundity, and a negative relationship between the number of spermatophores and longevity. Male mating history had a significant inf luence on female fecundity. The fecundity of females mated to virgin males was higher than the fecundity of females mated to previously mated males. T hese results are discussed in relation to the possible benefits derived by females from multiple mating.