Effects of nourishment on the gonadal maturation in Canthon cyanellus cyanellus LeConte (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae)

An experimental study was carried out regarding the foods effects of high nutritional quality but different origin (beef and fish) on the male and female gonadal maturation of Canthon cyanellus cyanellus LeConte (Coleoptera Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae). Although the fish was higher in protein, vitellogenesis was altered in females that ingested it: oocyte maturation and oviposition were delayed, mature basal oocyte size was smaller, and fewer eggs were laid. In males that ingested fish, testicular follicle growth diminished, as did the amount of secretions produced by the accessory glands; however, spermatogenesis and spermatophore formation take place. This suggests that this species cannot use fish to the same extent as other meat for synthesis of specific proteins of yolk and accessory gland secretions.