Structural complexity and molecular heterogeneity of a butterfly ejaculate reflect a complex history of selection.

ABSTRACT: Male ejaculates are often structurally complex, and this complexity is likely to influence key reproductive interactions between males and females. However, despite its potential evolutionary significance, the molecular underpinnings of ejaculate structural complexity have received little empirical attention. To address this knowledge gap, we sought to understand the biochemical and functional properties of the structurally complex ejaculates of Pieris rapae butterflies. Males in this species produce large ejaculates called spermatophores composed of an outer envelope, an inner matrix, and a bolus of sperm. Females are thought to benefit from the nutrition contained in the soluble inner matrix through increases in longevity and fecundity. However, the indigestible outer envelope of

SUBMITTER: Meslin C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5502654 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature