Ramirez-Cruz, A., & Llanderal-Cázares, C. 2021 Influencia de la Cópula en el Peso y Tamaño de la Hembra de Dactylopius coccus [Influence of Mating on the Weight and Size of the Dactylopius coccus Female]. Southwestern Entomologist 46(4): 985-990
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Notes: Lack of mating by D. coccus did not prevent virgin females from reaching weights and sizes similar to those of mated females of the same age. The results contrast with the commonly held belief that females of this species must mate to increase their body size. Similarity between the variables in both experimental groups might have been, in part, a result of compensation between the maturity stage of the ovaries and amount of fat body, which reduces the amount of carminic acid that, when there is fertilization, is stored in eggs and affects the quality of the cochineal insect.
