Figure 1.

Graphical representation of key predictions. Y-axis: mean probability of victory for focal beetles, x-axis: ‘smaller’ to ‘larger’ = increasing relative size advantage of focal beetle over opponent. (a) Contest success probability depends on the relative size of opponent; (b) silver spoon effect of post-eclosion treatment but not larval treatment (i.e. GG and PG treatment groups have a higher probability of success than GP and PP groups for any given adult environment experienced (relative size compared with opponent)); (c) environment-matching for post-eclosion delayed-feeding early-life environment (i.e. individuals in the GP treatment group fare relatively better than GG beetles in when the adult environment is poor).