Determining the efficacy of visual inspections at detecting non-biosecurity-compliant goods.

Examination of imported commodities by trained inspectors searching for pest organisms is a common practice that phytosanitary regulatory agencies use to mitigate biosecurity risks along trade pathways. To investigate the effects of target size and color on the efficacy of these visual assessments, we affixed square decals to polystyrene models of mandarins. Sample units of 100 model fruit containing up to 10 marked models were examined by inspectors.

Sperm allocation strategies in a sperm heteromorphic insect.

Theories predict that in polyandrous species, the focal male should increase sperm allocation per mate in the presence of rivals to gain greater share of paternity, but in the presence of additional mates, he should reduce sperm allocation per mate to save sperm for insemination of more mates. However, empirical findings are often inconsistent and reasons behind are unclear. Furthermore, many studies use copulation duration as an estimate of the number of sperm transferred.

Flirtation reduces males' fecundity but not longevity.

Theory predicts that due to limited resources males should strategically adjust their investment in reproduction and survival. Based on different conceptual framework, experimental designs, and study species, many studies support while others contradict this general prediction. Using a moth Ephestia kuehniella whose adults do not feed and thus have fixed resources for their lifetime fitness, we investigated whether males adjusted their investment in various life activities under dynamic socio-sexual environment.