Lifespan and morphophysiology of reproduction and ageing in the field cricket Gryllus assimilis

This data support the manuscript. Results showed reversed figures between early and late-life exponential rate of mortality. Virgin females had a slower early-life mortality, but a higher late-life mortality, while normal-mated females has higher early-life mortality, but a slower late-life mortality. Late-mated females had intermediate figures of mortality. Neurolipofuscin accumulation rate was similar among groups, which was reflected in equivalent maximum longevities. Morphological wear was also observed in posterior tympanal membrane, an important organ for the reproductive behaviour of crickets. Ultrastructurally, the tympanal membrane showed a significant age-dependent wear increment for most of the lesions found, which matched the reproductive senescence.