Limb regeneration modulates reproductive attributes in ladybirds in Propylea dissecta and Coccinella septempunctata

Abstract

In holometabolous insects, adult develops through larval and pupal stages. Limb regeneration has an impact on different life traits of organisms. In the present study, we found that limb regeneration of two ladybird species of different body size affected their life attributes. The fourth instar of Propylea dissecta and ladybird Coccinella septempunctata were taken from laboratory stock and ablated. Larvae were observed until adult emergence. Emerged adults were kept in different mating treatments. Unregenerated adults of ladybirds took more time to commence mating with shorter copulation and reduced fecundity and per cent viability. Thus, it can be concluded that regeneration ability modulates life attributes of ladybirds, irrespective of body size.