Parental environment can widely influence offspring phenotype, but paternal effects in the absence of parental care remain poorly understood. This study looks at the question if protein content in the larval diet of fathers affected paternity success and gene expression in their sons.

The consequences of sexual interactions extend beyond the simple production of offspring. These interactions typically entail direct effects on female fitness, but may also impact the life histories of later generations. Evaluating the cross-generational effects of sexual interactions provides insights into the dynamics of sexual selection and conflict. Such studies can elucidate whether offspring fitness optima diverge across sexes upon heightened levels of sexual interaction among parents.