The collapsed eggs found in the bursa copulatrix of a plum moth, Illiberis rotundata Jordan (Zygaenidae: Procridinae): an unusual egg resorption system?

摘要

In a plum moth, Illiberis rotundata Jordan (Zygaenidae), collapsed eggs and empty chorions were usually found in the bursa copulatrix. Effects of the number of these eggs on female longevity were analyzed with female body weight, body weight of her mate, and female fecundity. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that females with more eggs in the bursa copulatrix lived longer. It is most likely that eggs are resorbed in tile bursa copulatrix and used for the survival of the females. This moth seems have an unusual egg resorption system.