The females of species Callosobruchus maculatus, bean beetles, are polyandrous, which receives nuptial gifts from males during the copulations. In this project you will handle the bean beetles at close up and follow them through their life cycle to observe the effects of supplemented water on mating behaviour and reproductive success of female bean beetles.
Callosobruchus maculatus. Credits: Originality1988 – CC Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
Project description
The aim of this thesis is to investigate whether the availability of supplemented water has an impact on mating behaviour and reproductive success of female C. maculatus . We will measure total weight loss of adults, number of eggs laid, and lifespan of beetles with and without supplemented water and calculate reproductive success. To investigate the impact of male harassment on female mating behaviour we will study individuals in groups of different sex ratios.
Tasks
We will weigh the adults 2 ± 1 days after they emerge from the beans, before putting them in petri dishes with other adults. To determine their total weight loss, we weigh each individual again after they die. In addition, we have to change their water every day.
Callosobruchus maculatus – Credits: Charles Fox (CC BY 2.0)
The project involves: Labwork
Starting date/period: 06 Feb 2019 – 26 Mar 2019.
Experience: No special experience necessary, however I require precisely and accurate work by the person.
Involvement: 10 hours a week. Relatively flexible hours.
Interested by this project? Need more info? Contact Valeriya Vyalkova (valeriya.v.a@hotmail.com)
Project number: 011