Do males and females of the two-spot ladybird, Adalia bipunctata (L.), differ in when they mature sexually?

After emergence from pupae males and females of Adalia bipunctata reared un der the same constant conditions showed similar refractory periods in their mating behavior. The statistically significant slight protogyny might indi cate that it is advantageous for females to accept mating and stove sperm f or a short period prior to becoming sexually mature, whereas males need to become sexually mature in order to mate. As the two-spot ladybird has overl apping generations, theory predicts that the most effective strategy for bo th sexes is to have similar sexual maturation periods. The results of this study support this prediction, The actual lengths of the maturation periods , however, will depend largely on the prevailing temperatures and the quali ty and quantity of food available to the beetle.