Abstract
The last male sperm precedence (P2) in a pentatomid stink bug, Eysarcoris lewisi DISTANT, was studied using females mated with both normal and sterilized males. The mean P2 value in the first egg masses was about 40%. The mean P2 value increased as deposition of egg masses progressed, and showed almost complete last male sperm precedence in the forth egg masses. Among first egg masses, there was a significant positive correlation between P2 values and duration from termination of the last copulation to beginning of oviposition. these facts indicate that the duration between copulation and oviposition is important in determining P2 values. Females began oviposition an average of 55±37 (mean±S.D.) h after copulation. The function of prolonged copulation in this species is discussed.
