Trade-off between flight activity and life-history components in Chrysoperla sinica

Description

We studied the effects of flight duration on two important life-history traits, i.e., longevity and life-time egg production, of Chrysoperla sinica females, through an experimental flight manipulation bioassay, using a flight mill apparatus. In addition, we assessed the potential transgenerational effects of maternal flight durations on survival and on the development of the progeny. We found experimental evidence of a negative link between flight activity (1, 2 and 3 h) and longevity and reproductive activity in C. sinica females. Although, the development of the progeny 1st instars was significantly longer for females that flew longer, all other recorded life history traits of the progeny, including juvenile survival and overall development time and size of the pupae, were not affected. Hence, these findings suggest that the growth of new populations originated by females that flew long distances maybe be slower only for the first generation.

Abstract

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