SREL Reprint #3198

Variation in female reproductive quality and reproductive success of male Midland Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta marginata)

J. M. McGuire1, J. D. Congdon2,3, K. T. Scribner1,4, and J. D. Capps5

1Department of Zoology, 203 Natural Science Building, Michigan State University,
East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
2University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
3Bar Boot Ranch, Box 1128, Douglas, AZ 85608, USA
4Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, 13 Natural Resources Building, Michigan State University,
East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
5Allterra Environmental Inc., 207-B McPherson Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Abstract: Although mate number is perceived to be the primary factor affecting male reproductive success in polygynous systems, differences in female reproductive qualities may also influence variation in male reproductive success. We combined 32 years of data on variation in reproductive qualities (clutch size and clutch frequency) of female Midland Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta marginata Agassiz, 1857) with genetic data on patterns of repeated paternity (i.e., stored sperm use) and multiple paternity to examine the potential influence on male reproductive success. Over 24 years (1983–2006), the number of reproductive females each year averaged 84 (minimum–maximum = 62–106) and, on average, 23% (minimum–maximum = 6%–40%) produced two clutches (intraseasonally). Among females with reproductive histories spanning 5–24 years (N = 167), 26% of individuals produced only one clutch annually, whereas 74% produced two clutches within a season. Among just intraseasonally iteroparous females, second-clutch production varied from 7% to 50%. Repeated paternity was observed in 97.5% of 40 paired clutches and 44% of 9 among-year comparisons of clutches from consecutive years. The frequent use of stored sperm to fertilize sequential clutches within and potentially among years can substantially increase a male’s reproductive success, particularly if males can base mating decisions on phenotypic characteristics correlated with female quality.

SREL Reprint #3198

McGuire, J. M., J. D. Congdon, K. T. Scribner, and J. D. Capps. 2011. Variation in female reproductive quality and reproductive success of male Midland Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta marginata). Canadian Journal of Zoology 89(2011): 1136-1145.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).