A spermatophore structured in the bursa copulatrix of the small white Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera, Pieridae) during copulation, and its sugar content

Abstract

During copulation, the male small white, Pieris rapae, fills a single spermatophore in the bursa copulatrix of the female. The male fills first a white gel and then structures the spermatophore. The sperm was ejaculated last into the reproductive tract of the female, while sugars were observed throughout the copulation. Variation in size and sugar content of spermatophores observed in field-captured monogamous females indicated that sugars were consumed immediately after copulation, and that the spermatophore was gradually eroded. The role of the sugar content is also discussed.