Effect of Sex Ratios on Reproduction by the Corn Earworm1 in the Laboratory2,3

Abstract

In the laboratory, an increase in the number of male corn earworms, Heliothis zea (Boddie), placed with females in adult-holding containers increased the rate of egg production and mating and decreased female longevity; it had no effect on total egg production. A ratio of 4 males: 6 females provided sufficient males for smating and afforded a maximum egg hatch.