Sperm Competition and Paternity in the Endangered Firefly Pyrocoelia pectoralis (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Lampyrinae).

ABSTRACT: The endangered terrestrial firefly Pyrocoelia pectoralis (Olivier) is endemic to China. Populations of P. pectoralis have decreased dramatically due to urbanization and pollution. Breeding and re-introduction to a suitable habitat may save the species from becoming extinct. Because of its polyandrous character, an investigation into the possibility of sperm competition and paternity outcomes from multiple matings was initiated to better understand its reproductive physiology. To achieve these goals, 13 SSR markers were developed. The results of paternity experiments indicate there is a significant difference between P3 and P1 or P2. The female reproductive system has three spermathecae which accept sperm from different matings, and no bursa or spermatophore-digesting organ is

SUBMITTER: Fu X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10817000 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature