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Mitchell C, Wylde Z, Del Castillo E, Rapkin J, House CM, Hunt J. Beauty or function? The opposing effects of natural and sexual selection on cuticular hydrocarbons in male black field crickets. J Evol Biol 2023; 36:1266-1281. [PMID: 37534753 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.14198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Although many theoretical models of male sexual trait evolution assume that sexual selection is countered by natural selection, direct empirical tests of this assumption are relatively uncommon. Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) are known to play an important role not only in restricting evaporative water loss but also in sexual signalling in most terrestrial arthropods. Insects adjusting their CHC layer for optimal desiccation resistance is often thought to come at the expense of successful sexual attraction, suggesting that natural and sexual selection are in opposition for this trait. In this study, we sampled the CHCs of male black field crickets (Teleogryllus commodus) using solid-phase microextraction and then either measured their evaporative water loss or mating success. We then used multivariate selection analysis to quantify the strength and form of natural and sexual selection targeting male CHCs. Both natural and sexual selection imposed significant linear and stabilizing selection on male CHCs, although for very different combinations. Natural selection largely favoured an increase in the total abundance of CHCs, especially those with a longer chain length. In contrast, mating success peaked at a lower total abundance of CHCs and declined as CHC abundance increased. However, mating success did improve with an increase in a number of specific CHC components that also increased evaporative water loss. Importantly, this resulted in the combination of male CHCs favoured by natural selection and sexual selection being strongly opposing. Our findings suggest that the balance between natural and sexual selection is likely to play an important role in the evolution of male CHCs in T. commodus and may help explain why CHCs are so divergent across populations and species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Mitchell
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn, UK
| | - Zachariah Wylde
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury Campus, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Enrique Del Castillo
- Department of Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering and Department of Statistics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James Rapkin
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn, UK
| | - Clarissa M House
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury Campus, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Hunt
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn, UK
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury Campus, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
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2
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Hare RM, Larsdotter-Mellström H, Simmons LW. Sexual dimorphism in cuticular hydrocarbons and their potential use in mating in a bushcricket with dynamic sex roles. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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3
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Meta-analytic evidence that animals rarely avoid inbreeding. Nat Ecol Evol 2021; 5:949-964. [PMID: 33941905 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-021-01453-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Animals are usually expected to avoid mating with relatives (kin avoidance) as incestuous mating can lead to the expression of inbreeding depression. Yet, theoretical models predict that unbiased mating with regards to kinship should be common, and that under some conditions, the inclusive fitness benefits associated with inbreeding can even lead to a preference for mating with kin. This mismatch between empirical and theoretical expectations generates uncertainty as to the prevalence of inbreeding avoidance in animals. Here, we synthesized 677 effect sizes from 139 experimental studies of mate choice for kin versus non-kin in diploid animals, representing 40 years of research, using a meta-analytical approach. Our meta-analysis revealed little support for the widely held view that animals avoid mating with kin, despite clear evidence of publication bias. Instead, unbiased mating with regards to kinship appears widespread across animals and experimental conditions. The significance of a variety of moderators was explored using meta-regressions, revealing that the degree of relatedness and prior experience with kin explained some variation in the effect sizes. Yet, we found no difference in kin avoidance between males and females, choice and no-choice experiments, mated and virgin animals or between humans and animals. Our findings highlight the need to rethink the widely held view that inbreeding avoidance is a given in experimental studies.
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4
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Wang X, Verschut TA, Billeter JC, Maan ME. Seven Questions on the Chemical Ecology and Neurogenetics of Resource-Mediated Speciation. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.640486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adaptation to different environments can result in reproductive isolation between populations and the formation of new species. Food resources are among the most important environmental factors shaping local adaptation. The chemosensory system, the most ubiquitous sensory channel in the animal kingdom, not only detects food resources and their chemical composition, but also mediates sexual communication and reproductive isolation in many taxa. Chemosensory divergence may thus play a crucial role in resource-mediated adaptation and speciation. Understanding how the chemosensory system can facilitate resource-mediated ecological speciation requires integrating mechanistic studies of the chemosensory system with ecological studies, to link the genetics and physiology of chemosensory properties to divergent adaptation. In this review, we use examples of insect research to present seven key questions that can be used to understand how the chemosensory system can facilitate resource-mediated ecological speciation in consumer populations.
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Duffield KR, Hampton KJ, Houslay TM, Rapkin J, Hunt J, Sadd BM, Sakaluk SK. Macronutrient intake and simulated infection threat independently affect life history traits of male decorated crickets. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:11766-11778. [PMID: 33144999 PMCID: PMC7593159 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutritional geometry has advanced our understanding of how macronutrients (e.g., proteins and carbohydrates) influence the expression of life history traits and their corresponding trade-offs. For example, recent work has revealed that reproduction and immune function in male decorated crickets are optimized at very different protein:carbohydrate (P:C) dietary ratios. However, it is unclear how an individual's macronutrient intake interacts with its perceived infection status to determine investment in reproduction or other key life history traits. Here, we employed a fully factorial design in which calling effort and immune function were quantified for male crickets fed either diets previously demonstrated to maximize calling effort (P:C = 1:8) or immune function (P:C = 5:1), and then administered a treatment from a spectrum of increasing infection cue intensity using heat-killed bacteria. Both diet and a simulated infection threat independently influenced the survival, immunity, and reproductive effort of males. If they called, males increased calling effort at the low infection cue dose, consistent with the terminal investment hypothesis, but interpretation of responses at the higher threat levels was hampered by the differential mortality of males across infection cue and diet treatments. A high protein, low carbohydrate diet severely reduced the health, survival, and overall fitness of male crickets. There was, however, no evidence of an interaction between diet and infection cue dose on calling effort, suggesting that the threshold for terminal investment was not contingent on diet as investigated here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin R. Duffield
- Behavior, Ecology, Evolution and Systematics SectionSchool of Biological SciencesIllinois State UniversityNormalILUSA
- Present address:
Crop Bioprotection Research UnitUnited States Department of AgricultureNational Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research ServicePeoriaILUSA
| | - Kylie J. Hampton
- Behavior, Ecology, Evolution and Systematics SectionSchool of Biological SciencesIllinois State UniversityNormalILUSA
- Present address:
Crop Bioprotection Research UnitUnited States Department of AgricultureNational Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research ServicePeoriaILUSA
| | | | - James Rapkin
- Centre for Ecology and ConservationUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
| | - John Hunt
- Centre for Ecology and ConservationUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
- School of Science and Hawkesbury Institute for the EnvironmentWestern Sydney UniversityPenrithNSWAustralia
| | - Ben M. Sadd
- Behavior, Ecology, Evolution and Systematics SectionSchool of Biological SciencesIllinois State UniversityNormalILUSA
| | - Scott K. Sakaluk
- Behavior, Ecology, Evolution and Systematics SectionSchool of Biological SciencesIllinois State UniversityNormalILUSA
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6
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Gershman SN. Mating has opposite effects on male and female sexually selected cuticular hydrocarbons. Anim Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2020.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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7
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Heggeseth B, Sim D, Partida L, Maroja LS. Influence of female cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profile on male courtship behavior in two hybridizing field crickets Gryllus firmus and Gryllus pennsylvanicus. BMC Evol Biol 2020; 20:21. [PMID: 32019492 PMCID: PMC7001378 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-020-1587-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The hybridizing field crickets, Gryllus firmus and Gryllus pennsylvanicus have several barriers that prevent gene flow between species. The behavioral pre-zygotic mating barrier, where males court conspecifics more intensely than heterospecifics, is important because by acting earlier in the life cycle it has the potential to prevent a larger fraction of hybridization. The mechanism behind such male mate preference is unknown. Here we investigate if the female cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profile could be the signal behind male courtship. Results While males of the two species display nearly identical CHC profiles, females have different, albeit overlapping profiles and some females (between 15 and 45%) of both species display a male-like profile distinct from profiles of typical females. We classified CHC females profile into three categories: G. firmus-like (F; including mainly G. firmus females), G. pennsylvanicus-like (P; including mainly G. pennsylvanicus females), and male-like (ML; including females of both species). Gryllus firmus males courted ML and F females more often and faster than they courted P females (p < 0.05). Gryllus pennsylvanicus males were slower to court than G. firmus males, but courted ML females more often (p < 0.05) than their own conspecific P females (no difference between P and F). Both males courted heterospecific ML females more often than other heterospecific females (p < 0.05, significant only for G. firmus males). Conclusions Our results suggest that male mate preference is at least partially informed by female CHC profile and that ML females elicit high courtship behavior in both species. Since ML females exist in both species and are preferred over other heterospecific females, it is likely that this female type is responsible for most hybrid offspring production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna Heggeseth
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, USA.,Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science, Macalester College, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Danielle Sim
- Department of Biology, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, USA
| | - Laura Partida
- Department of Biology, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, USA
| | - Luana S Maroja
- Department of Biology, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, USA.
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8
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Wylde Z, Adler L, Crean A, Bonduriansky R. Perceived dominance status affects chemical signalling in the neriid fly Telostylinus angusticollis. Anim Behav 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2019.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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9
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Santori C, Bussière LF, Houslay TM. Heightened perception of competition hastens courtship. Behav Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arz183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
When animals use costly labile display or signal traits to display to the opposite sex, they face complex decisions regarding the degree and timing of their investment in separate instances of trait expression. Such decisions may be informed by not only the focal individual’s condition (or pool of available resources) but also aspects of the social environment, such as perceptions of same-sex competition or the quality of available mates. However, the relative importance of these factors to investment decisions remains unclear. Here, we use manipulations of condition (through dietary nutrition), recent social environment (exposure to a silenced male, nonsilenced male, female, or isolation), and female mating history (single or multiple male) to test how quickly male decorated crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus) decide to begin courting an available female. We find that males that were previously housed with nonsilenced males started courting the female earlier than other males. Females only mounted males after courtship began. Our results suggest a strong effect of the perception of competition on the decision to invest resources in sexual signaling behavior and that females might exert directional selection on its timing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Santori
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Luc F Bussière
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Thomas M Houslay
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, UK
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10
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Sakaluk SK, Oldzej J, Poppe CJ, Harper JL, Rines IG, Hampton KJ, Duffield KR, Hunt J, Sadd BM. Effects of inbreeding on life-history traits and sexual competency in decorated crickets. Anim Behav 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2019.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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11
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Duffield KR, Hampton KJ, Houslay TM, Hunt J, Sadd BM, Sakaluk SK. Inbreeding alters context-dependent reproductive effort and immunity in male crickets. J Evol Biol 2019; 32:731-741. [PMID: 30985046 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Infection can cause hosts to drastically alter their investment in key life-history traits of reproduction and defence. Infected individuals are expected to increase investment in defence (e.g., by increasing immune function) and, due to trade-offs, investment in other traits (e.g., current reproduction) should decrease. However, the terminal investment hypothesis postulates that decreased lifespan due to infection and the associated reduction in the expectation for future offspring will favour increased investment towards current reproduction. Variation in intrinsic condition will likely influence shifts in reproductive investment post-infection, but this is often not considered in such assessments. For example, the extent of inbreeding can significantly impact an individual's lifetime fitness and may influence its reproductive behaviour following a threat of infection. Here, we investigated the effects of inbreeding status on an individual's reproductive investment upon infection, including the propensity to terminally invest. Male crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus) from four genetically distinct inbred lines and one outbred line were subjected to a treatment from an increasing spectrum of simulated infection cue intensities, using heat-killed bacteria. We then measured reproductive effort (calling effort), survival and immune function (antibacterial activity, circulating haemocytes and haemocyte microaggregations). Inbred and outbred males diverged in how they responded to a low-dose infection cue: relative to unmanipulated males, outbred males decreased calling effort, whereas inbred males increased calling effort. Moreover, we found that inbred males exhibited higher antibacterial activity and numbers of circulating haemocytes compared with outbred males. These results suggest that an individual's inbreeding status may have consequences for context-dependent shifts in reproductive strategies, such as those triggered by infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin R Duffield
- Behavior, Ecology, Evolution & Systematics Section, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
| | - Kylie J Hampton
- Behavior, Ecology, Evolution & Systematics Section, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
| | | | - John Hunt
- School of Science and Health, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia.,Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, UK
| | - Ben M Sadd
- Behavior, Ecology, Evolution & Systematics Section, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
| | - Scott K Sakaluk
- Behavior, Ecology, Evolution & Systematics Section, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
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12
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Müller T, Lachenicht L, Müller C. Inbreeding Alters the Chemical Phenotype and Mating Behavior of a Beetle. Front Ecol Evol 2018. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2018.00177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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13
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Xue HJ, Segraves KA, Wei J, Zhang B, Nie RE, Li WZ, Yang XK. Chemically mediated sexual signals restrict hybrid speciation in a flea beetle. Behav Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/ary105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Huai-Jun Xue
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kari A Segraves
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
- Archbold Biological Station, Venus, FL, USA
| | - Jing Wei
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rui-E Nie
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Zhu Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xing-Ke Yang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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14
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Abraham S, Díaz V, Castillo GM, Pérez-Staples D. Sequential mate choice in the South American fruit fly: the role of male nutrition, female size and host availability on female remating behaviour. ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2017.1409271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Solana Abraham
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Ecoetológicas de Moscas de la Fruta y sus Enemigos Naturales (LIEMEN), PROIMI-Biotecnología, CONICET, Tucumán CP 4000, Argentina
| | - Viviana Díaz
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Ecoetológicas de Moscas de la Fruta y sus Enemigos Naturales (LIEMEN), PROIMI-Biotecnología, CONICET, Tucumán CP 4000, Argentina
| | - Gisela M. Castillo
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Ecoetológicas de Moscas de la Fruta y sus Enemigos Naturales (LIEMEN), PROIMI-Biotecnología, CONICET, Tucumán CP 4000, Argentina
| | - Diana Pérez-Staples
- INBIOTECA, Universidad Veracruzana, Av. de las Culturas Veracruzanas 101, Col. E. Zapata, Xalapa, Veracruz CP 91090, Mexico
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15
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Müller T, Lamprecht TD, Schrieber K. Lifetime inbreeding depression in a leaf beetle. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:6889-6898. [PMID: 30073053 PMCID: PMC6065277 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation result in rapid population size reductions, which can increase the levels of inbreeding. Consequently, many species are threatened by inbreeding depression, a loss of individual fitness following the mating of close relatives. Here, we investigated inbreeding effects on fitness-related traits throughout the lifetime of the mustard leaf beetle (Phaedon cochleariae) and mechanisms for the avoidance of inbreeding. Previously, we found that these beetles have family-specific cuticular hydrocarbon profiles, which are likely not used as recognition cue for precopulatory inbreeding avoidance. Thus, we examined whether adult beetles show postcopulatory inbreeding avoidance instead. For this purpose, we determined the larval hatching rate of eggs laid by females mated sequentially with two nonsiblings, two siblings, a nonsibling, and a sibling or vice versa. The beetles suffered from inbreeding depression throughout their entire ontogeny, as evinced by a prolonged larval development, a decreased larval and adult survival and a decreased reproductive output of inbred compared to outbred individuals. The highest larval hatching rates were detected when females were mated with two nonsiblings or first with a sibling and second with a nonsibling. Significantly lower hatching rates were measured in the treatments with a sibling as second male. Thus, the results do not support the existence of postcopulatory inbreeding avoidance in P. cochleariae, but revealed evidence for second male sperm precedence. Consequently, an alternative strategy to avoid inbreeding costs might exist in this beetle, such as a polyandrous mating system, potentially coupled with a specific dispersal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorben Müller
- Department of Chemical EcologyBielefeld UniversityBielefeldGermany
| | | | - Karin Schrieber
- Department of Chemical EcologyBielefeld UniversityBielefeldGermany
- Martin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergInstitute of Biology, Geobotany and Botanical GardenHalle (Saale)Germany
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16
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Otte T, Hilker M, Geiselhardt S. Phenotypic Plasticity of Cuticular Hydrocarbon Profiles in Insects. J Chem Ecol 2018; 44:235-247. [PMID: 29468480 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-018-0934-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The insect integument is covered by cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) which provide protection against environmental stresses, but are also used for communication. Here we review current knowledge on environmental and insect-internal factors which shape phenotypic plasticity of solitary living insects, especially herbivorous ones. We address the dynamics of changes which may occur within minutes, but may also last weeks, depending on the species and conditions. Two different modes of changes are suggested, i.e. stepwise and gradual. A switch between two distinct environments (e.g. host plant switch by phytophagous insects) results in stepwise formation of two distinct adaptive phenotypes, while a gradual environmental change (e.g. temperature gradients) induces a gradual change of numerous adaptive CHC phenotypes. We further discuss the ecological and evolutionary consequences of phenotypic plasticity of insect CHC profiles by addressing the question at which conditions is CHC phenotypic plasticity beneficial. The high plasticity of CHC profiles might be a trade-off for insects using CHCs for communication. We discuss how insects cope with the challenge to produce and "understand" a highly plastic, environmentally dependent CHC pattern that conveys reliable and comprehensible information. Finally, we outline how phenotypic plasticity of CHC profiles may promote speciation in insects that rely on CHCs for mate recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Otte
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Haderslebener Str. 9, 12163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Monika Hilker
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Haderslebener Str. 9, 12163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Geiselhardt
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Haderslebener Str. 9, 12163, Berlin, Germany.
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17
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Stökl J, Steiger S. Evolutionary origin of insect pheromones. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2017; 24:36-42. [PMID: 29208221 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Communication via chemical signals, that is, pheromones, is of pivotal importance for most insects. According to current evolutionary theory, insect pheromones originated either from extant precursor compounds being selected for information transfer or by the pheromone components exploiting a pre-existing sensory bias in the receiver. Here, we review the available experimental evidence for both hypotheses. Existing data indicate that most insect pheromones evolved from precursor compounds that were emitted as metabolic by-products or that previously had other non-communicative functions. Many studies have investigated cuticular hydrocarbons that have evolved a communicative function, although examples of pheromones exist that have arisen from defensive secretions, hormones or dietary compounds. We summarize and discuss the selective pressures shaping the pheromone during signal evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Stökl
- Institute of Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Gießen, Germany.
| | - Sandra Steiger
- Institute of Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Gießen, Germany
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18
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Bertram SM, Loranger MJ, Thomson IR, Harrison SJ, Ferguson GL, Reifer ML, Corlett DH, Gowaty PA. Choosy males in Jamaican field crickets. Anim Behav 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2017.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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19
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Saxena S, Mishra G, Omkar. Familiarity dominates relatedness in mate selection in ladybirds. J Zool (1987) 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Saxena
- Ladybird Research Laboratory Department of Zoology University of Lucknow Lucknow India
| | - G. Mishra
- Ladybird Research Laboratory Department of Zoology University of Lucknow Lucknow India
| | - Omkar
- Ladybird Research Laboratory Department of Zoology University of Lucknow Lucknow India
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20
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Wehi PM, Monks A, Morgan-Richards M. Male tree weta are attracted to cuticular scent cues but do not discriminate according to sex or among two closely related species. Ethology 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla M. Wehi
- Institute of Agriculture & Environment; Massey University; Palmerston North New Zealand
- Landcare Research; Dunedin New Zealand
| | | | - Mary Morgan-Richards
- Institute of Agriculture & Environment; Massey University; Palmerston North New Zealand
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21
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Parker DJ, Zaborowska J, Ritchie MG, Vahed K. Paternity analysis of wild-caught females shows that sperm package size and placement influence fertilization success in the bushcricketPholidoptera griseoaptera. Mol Ecol 2017; 26:3050-3061. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.14089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Darren James Parker
- Centre for Biological Diversity; University of St Andrews; St Andrews KY16 9TH UK
- Department of Ecology and Evolution; University of Lausanne; Biophore Lausanne 1015 Switzerland
| | - Julia Zaborowska
- Centre for Biological Diversity; University of St Andrews; St Andrews KY16 9TH UK
- Institute of Environmental Sciences; Jagiellonian University; Gronostajowa 7 30-387 Kraków Poland
- Institute of Environmental Biology; Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań; Umultowska 89 61-614 Poznań Poland
| | | | - Karim Vahed
- Environmental Sustainability Research Centre; University of Derby; Kedleston Road Derby DE22 1GB UK
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22
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Sheehan MJ, Choo J, Tibbetts EA. Heritable variation in colour patterns mediating individual recognition. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2017; 4:161008. [PMID: 28386452 PMCID: PMC5367277 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.161008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the developmental and evolutionary processes that generate and maintain variation in natural populations remains a major challenge for modern biology. Populations of Polistes fuscatus paper wasps have highly variable colour patterns that mediate individual recognition. Previous experimental and comparative studies have provided evidence that colour pattern diversity is the result of selection for individuals to advertise their identity. Distinctive identity-signalling phenotypes facilitate recognition, which reduces aggression between familiar individuals in P. fuscatus wasps. Selection for identity signals may increase phenotypic diversity via two distinct modes of selection that have different effects on genetic diversity. Directional selection for increased plasticity would greatly increase phenotypic diversity but decrease genetic diversity at associated loci. Alternatively, heritable identity signals under balancing selection would maintain genetic diversity at associated loci. Here, we assess whether there is heritable variation underlying colour pattern diversity used for facial recognition in a wild population of P. fuscatus wasps. We find that colour patterns are heritable and not Mendelian, suggesting that multiple loci are involved. Additionally, patterns of genetic correlations among traits indicated that many of the loci underlying colour pattern variation are unlinked and independently segregating. Our results support a model where the benefits of being recognizable maintain genetic variation at multiple unlinked loci that code for phenotypic diversity used for recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Sheehan
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca 14853, NY, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48190, MI, USA
| | - Juanita Choo
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48190, MI, USA
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Elizabeth A. Tibbetts
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48190, MI, USA
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23
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Rapkin J, Jensen K, House CM, Sakaluk SK, Sakaluk JK, Hunt J. The complex interplay between macronutrient intake, cuticular hydrocarbon expression and mating success in male decorated crickets. J Evol Biol 2017; 30:711-727. [PMID: 28029711 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The condition dependence of male sexual traits plays a central role in sexual selection theory. Relatively little, however, is known about the condition dependence of chemical signals used in mate choice and their subsequent effects on male mating success. Furthermore, few studies have isolated the specific nutrients responsible for condition-dependent variation in male sexual traits. Here, we used nutritional geometry to determine the effect of protein (P) and carbohydrate (C) intake on male cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) expression and mating success in male decorated crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus). We show that both traits are maximized at a moderate-to-high intake of nutrients in a P:C ratio of 1 : 1.5. We also show that female precopulatory mate choice exerts a complex pattern of linear and quadratic sexual selection on this condition-dependent variation in male CHC expression. Structural equation modelling revealed that although the effect of nutrient intake on mating success is mediated through condition-dependent CHC expression, it is not exclusively so, suggesting that other traits must also play an important role. Collectively, our results suggest that the complex interplay between nutrient intake, CHC expression and mating success plays an important role in the operation of sexual selection in G. sigillatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Rapkin
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, UK
| | - K Jensen
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, UK.,Department of Bioscience, Terrestrial Ecology, Aarhus University, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - C M House
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, UK.,School of Science and Health, and Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - S K Sakaluk
- Behaviour, Ecology, Evolution and Systematics Section, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, USA
| | - J K Sakaluk
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - J Hunt
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, UK.,School of Science and Health, and Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
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24
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Royauté R, Dochtermann NA. When the mean no longer matters: developmental diet affects behavioral variation but not population averages in the house cricket (Acheta domesticus). Behav Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arw164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
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25
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Travers LM, Garcia-Gonzalez F, Simmons LW. Genetic variation but weak genetic covariation between pre- and post-copulatory episodes of sexual selection in Drosophila melanogaster. J Evol Biol 2016; 29:1535-52. [PMID: 27159063 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
When females mate polyandrously, male reproductive success depends both on the male's ability to attain matings and on his ability to outcompete rival males in the fertilization of ova post-copulation. Increased investment in ejaculate components may trade off with investment in precopulatory traits due to resource allocation. Alternatively, pre- and post-copulatory traits could be positively related if individuals can afford to invest heavily in traits advantageous at both episodes of selection. There is empirical evidence for both positive and negative associations between pre- and post-copulatory episodes, but little is known about the genetic basis of these correlations. In this study, we measured morphological, chemical and behavioural precopulatory male traits and investigated their relationship with measures of male fitness (male mating success, remating inhibition and offensive sperm competitiveness) across 40 isofemale lines of Drosophila melanogaster. We found significant variation among isofemale lines, indicating a genetic basis for most of the traits investigated. However, we found weak evidence for genetic correlations between precopulatory traits and our indices of male fitness. Moreover, pre- and post-copulatory episodes of selection were uncorrelated, suggesting selection may act independently at the different episodes to maximize male reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Travers
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Animal Biology (M092), The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - F Garcia-Gonzalez
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Animal Biology (M092), The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.,Doñana Biological Station, Spanish Research Council CSIC, Isla de la Cartuja, Seville, Spain
| | - L W Simmons
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Animal Biology (M092), The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
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26
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Lane SM, Dickinson AW, Tregenza T, House CM. Sexual Selection on male cuticular hydrocarbons via male-male competition and female choice. J Evol Biol 2016; 29:1346-55. [PMID: 27037514 PMCID: PMC4999037 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Traditional views of sexual selection assumed that male–male competition and female mate choice work in harmony, selecting upon the same traits in the same direction. However, we now know that this is not always the case and that these two mechanisms often impose conflicting selection on male sexual traits. Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) have been shown to be linked to both social dominance and male attractiveness in several insect species. However, although several studies have estimated the strength and form of sexual selection imposed on male CHCs by female mate choice, none have established whether these chemical traits are also subject to sexual selection via male–male competition. Using a multivariate selection analysis, we estimate and compare sexual selection exerted by male–male competition and female mate choice on male CHC composition in the broad‐horned flour beetle Gnatocerus cornutus. We show that male–male competition exerts strong linear selection on both overall CHC abundance and body size in males, while female mate choice exerts a mixture of linear and nonlinear selection, targeting not just the overall amount of CHCs expressed but the relative abundance of specific hydrocarbons as well. We discuss the potential implications of this antagonistic selection with regard to male reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Lane
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall, UK
| | - A W Dickinson
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall, UK
| | - T Tregenza
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall, UK
| | - C M House
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall, UK
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27
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Gershman SN, Rundle HD. Level up: the expression of male sexually selected cuticular hydrocarbons is mediated by sexual experience. Anim Behav 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2015.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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28
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Steiger S, Capodeanu-Nägler A, Gershman SN, Weddle CB, Rapkin J, Sakaluk SK, Hunt J. Female choice for male cuticular hydrocarbon profile in decorated crickets is not based on similarity to their own profile. J Evol Biol 2015; 28:2175-86. [PMID: 26301596 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Revised: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Indirect genetic benefits derived from female mate choice comprise additive (good genes) and nonadditive genetic benefits (genetic compatibility). Although good genes can be revealed by condition-dependent display traits, the mechanism by which compatibility alleles are detected is unclear because evaluation of the genetic similarity of a prospective mate requires the female to assess the genotype of the male and compare it to her own. Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), lipids coating the exoskeleton of most insects, influence female mate choice in a number of species and offer a way for females to assess genetic similarity of prospective mates. Here, we determine whether female mate choice in decorated crickets is based on male CHCs and whether it is influenced by females' own CHC profiles. We used multivariate selection analysis to estimate the strength and form of selection acting on male CHCs through female mate choice, and employed different measures of multivariate dissimilarity to determine whether a female's preference for male CHCs is based on similarity to her own CHC profile. Female mating preferences were significantly influenced by CHC profiles of males. Male CHC attractiveness was not, however, contingent on the CHC profile of the choosing female, as certain male CHC phenotypes were equally attractive to most females, evidenced by significant linear and stabilizing selection gradients. These results suggest that additive genetic benefits, rather than nonadditive genetic benefits, accrue to female mate choice, in support of earlier work showing that CHC expression of males, but not females, is condition dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Steiger
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - A Capodeanu-Nägler
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - S N Gershman
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University at Marion, Marion, OH, USA
| | - C B Weddle
- Behavior, Ecology, Evolution and Systematics Section, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, USA
| | - J Rapkin
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - S K Sakaluk
- Behavior, Ecology, Evolution and Systematics Section, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, USA
| | - J Hunt
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
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29
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Xie J, De Clercq P, Zhang Y, Wu H, Pan C, Pang H. Nutrition-dependent phenotypes affect sexual selection in a ladybird. Sci Rep 2015; 5:13111. [PMID: 26269214 PMCID: PMC4534764 DOI: 10.1038/srep13111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors play a crucial role in influencing sexual selection in insects and the evolution of their mating systems. Although it has been reported that sexual selection in insects may change in response to varying environments, the reason for these changes remains poorly understood. Here, we focus on the mate selection process of a ladybird, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, when experiencing low- and high-nutrition diet regimes both in its larval and adult stages. We found that female ladybirds preferred to mate with males reared under high-nutrition diet regimes, regardless of the nutritional conditions they experienced during their own larval stages, indicating that mate choice of female C. montrouzieri is non-random and phenotype-dependent. Such mate choice may depend on visual cues (body or genitalia size) and/or chemical cues (pheromones). Further, females from high-nutrition larval diet regimes produced more eggs than those from low-nutrition larval diet regimes. In addition, diet regimes during adulthood also exerted strong effects on egg production. In summary, our study provides new insight into the mate choice of C. montrouzieri as affected by seasonal changes in resources, and suggests that food availability may be a driving force in mate choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqin Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Dynamics and Conservation of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Ecology and Evolution, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.,Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Gent 9000, Belgium
| | - Patrick De Clercq
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Gent 9000, Belgium
| | - Yuhong Zhang
- Guangdong Entomological Institute, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Hongsheng Wu
- Guangdong Entomological Institute, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Chang Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Dynamics and Conservation of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Ecology and Evolution, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Hong Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Dynamics and Conservation of Guangdong Higher Education Institute, College of Ecology and Evolution, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
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30
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Fischer K, Karl I, Heuskin S, Janowitz S, Dötterl S. Kin Recognition and Inbreeding Avoidance in a Butterfly. Ethology 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Fischer
- Zoological Institute & Museum; Greifswald University; Greifswald Germany
| | - Isabell Karl
- Zoological Institute & Museum; Greifswald University; Greifswald Germany
| | - Stéphanie Heuskin
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry; Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech; University of Liège; Gembloux Belgium
| | - Susann Janowitz
- Zoological Institute & Museum; Greifswald University; Greifswald Germany
| | - Stefan Dötterl
- Department of Ecology and Evolution; Salzburg University; Salzburg Austria
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31
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Noh S, Henry CS. Speciation is not necessarily easier in species with sexually monomorphic mating signals. J Evol Biol 2015; 28:1925-39. [PMID: 26230311 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Should we have different expectations regarding the likelihood and pace of speciation by sexual selection when considering species with sexually monomorphic mating signals? Two conditions that can facilitate rapid species divergence are Felsenstein's one-allele mechanism and a genetic architecture that includes a genetic association between signal and preference loci. In sexually monomorphic species, the former can manifest in the form of mate choice based on phenotype matching. The latter can be promoted by selection acting upon genetic loci for divergent signals and preferences expressed simultaneously in each individual, rather than acting separately on signal loci in males and preference loci in females. Both sexes in the Chrysoperla carnea group of green lacewings (Insecta, Neuroptera, Chrysopidae) produce sexually monomorphic species-specific mating signals. We hybridized the two species C. agilis and C. carnea to test for evidence of these speciation-facilitating conditions. Hybrid signals were more complex than the parents and we observed a dominant influence of C. carnea. We found a dominant influence of C. agilis on preferences in the form of hybrid discrimination against C. carnea. Preferences in hybrids followed patterns predicting preference loci that determine mate choice rather than a one-allele mechanism. The genetic association between signal and preference we detected in the segregating hybrid crosses indicates that speciation in these species with sexually monomorphic mating signals can have occurred rapidly. However, we need additional evidence to determine whether such genetic associations form more readily in sexually monomorphic species compared to dimorphic species and consequently facilitate speciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Noh
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - C S Henry
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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32
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Lane SM, Solino JH, Mitchell C, Blount JD, Okada K, Hunt J, House CM. Rival male chemical cues evoke changes in male pre- and post-copulatory investment in a flour beetle. Behav Ecol 2015; 26:1021-1029. [PMID: 26167098 PMCID: PMC4495758 DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arv047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Males can gather information on the risk and intensity of sperm competition from their social environment. Recent studies have implicated chemosensory cues, for instance cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) in insects, as a key source of this information. Here, using the broad-horned flour beetle (Gnatocerus cornutus), we investigated the importance of contact-derived rival male CHCs in informing male perception of sperm competition risk and intensity. We experimentally perfumed virgin females with male CHCs via direct intersexual contact and measured male pre- and post-copulatory investment in response to this manipulation. Using chemical analysis, we verified that this treatment engendered changes to perfumed female CHC profiles, but did not make perfumed females "smell" mated. Despite this, males responded to these chemical changes. Males increased courtship effort under low levels of perceived competition (from 1-3 rivals), but significantly decreased courtship effort as perceived competition rose (from 3-5 rivals). Furthermore, our measurement of ejaculate investment showed that males allocated significantly more sperm to perfumed females than to control females. Together, these results suggest that changes in female chemical profile elicited by contact with rival males do not provide males with information on female mating status, but rather inform males of the presence of rivals within the population and thus provide a means for males to indirectly assess the risk of sperm competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Lane
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus , Cornwall TR10 9EZ , UK
| | - Joanna H Solino
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus , Cornwall TR10 9EZ , UK , ; Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Vector Control Department , Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA , UK
| | - Christopher Mitchell
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus , Cornwall TR10 9EZ , UK , ; Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury Campus , Penrith, New South Wales 2751 , Australia , and
| | - Jonathan D Blount
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus , Cornwall TR10 9EZ , UK
| | - Kensuke Okada
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecology, Graduate School of Environmental Science, Okayama University , Tsushima-naka 1-1-1, Okayama , Japan
| | - John Hunt
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus , Cornwall TR10 9EZ , UK
| | - Clarissa M House
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus , Cornwall TR10 9EZ , UK
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33
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Requena GS, Machado G. Effects of egg attendance on male mating success in a harvestman with exclusive paternal care. Behav Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arv035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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34
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Multiple roles of a male-specific compound in the sexual behavior of the dried bean beetle, Acanthoscelides obtectus. J Chem Ecol 2015; 41:287-93. [PMID: 25786892 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-015-0560-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Males of Acanthoscelides obtectus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Bruchinae) emit methyl (E,R)-2,4,5-tetradecatrienoate that attracts females for mating. This study identified further roles for this compound in the sexual behavior of A. obtectus. Earlier observations revealed that males touched females with their antennae while tandem-running with them and initiated mounting and copulation, whereas they showed no such behavior toward other males. A series of subsequent laboratory choice tests were set up to establish if certain cuticular compounds aid contact sex recognition in A. obtectus. Males chose virgin females over other males. The activity toward females could be eliminated by rinsing with hexane, but was regained by application of female extract onto previously rinsed females. Gas chromatographic (GC) comparison of hexane extracts revealed the presence of two male-specific compounds, methyl (E,R)-2,4,5-tetradecatrienoate and octadecanal, which were absent from the behaviorally active female samples. Of the two compounds, methyl (E,R)-2,4,5-tetradecatrienoate was found to be responsible for the inhibition of male sexual behavior, similar to that observed with crude male extracts applied to virgin females. Furthermore, males preferred virgin over mated females. GC analyses revealed the presence of methyl (E,R)-2,4,5-tetradecatrienoate in mated females in amounts sufficient to curtail mating attempts. It appears that methyl (E,R)-2,4,5-tetradecatrienoate, besides being a male-produced sex pheromone, acts as a male-recognition signal in A. obtectus. Males also transfer it onto females during mating, resulting in mated females being avoided by courting males.
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35
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Capodeanu-Nägler A, Rapkin J, Sakaluk SK, Hunt J, Steiger S. Self-recognition in crickets via on-line processing. Curr Biol 2014; 24:R1117-8. [PMID: 25465327 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2014.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - James Rapkin
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Tremough Campus, Penryn, TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - Scott K Sakaluk
- Behavior, Ecology, Evolution and Systematics Section, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4120, USA
| | - John Hunt
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Tremough Campus, Penryn, TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - Sandra Steiger
- Institute of Experimental Ecology, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
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36
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Zhang B, Xue HJ, Song KQ, Liu J, Li WZ, Nie RE, Yang XK. Male mate recognition via cuticular hydrocarbons facilitates sexual isolation between sympatric leaf beetle sister species. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2014; 70:15-21. [PMID: 25172230 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2014.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Chemical signals in insects have been documented to play an important role in mate recognition, and divergence in chemical signals can often cause sexual isolation between closely related species or populations within species. We investigated the role of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), short distance chemical signals, in male mate recognition between the two sympatric elm leaf beetles, Pyrrhalta maculicollis and Pyrrhaltaaenescens. Mating experiments demonstrated that strong sexual isolation between the two species was driven by CHCs divergence. Males preferred to mate with conspecific females with intact conspecific CHCs or conspecific CHCs reapplied after removal. Males also preferred heterospecific females that were treated with conspecific CHCs. Chemical analysis showed that the CHC profiles differ significantly between species. In P. maculicollis dimethyl-branched alkanes between C29 and C35 account for the majority of the saturated alkanes while the CHC profile of P. aenescens mostly consisted of monomethyl-branched alkanes between C22 and C29. Additionally, some compounds, such as 12,18-diMeC32, 12,18-diMeC34, are unique to P. maculicollis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Huai-Jun Xue
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Ke-Qing Song
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wen-Zhu Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Rui-E Nie
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xing-Ke Yang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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37
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Gray B, Bailey NW, Poon M, Zuk M. Multimodal signal compensation: do field crickets shift sexual signal modality after the loss of acoustic communication? Anim Behav 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2014.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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38
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de Bruijn PJA, Sabelis MW, Egas M. Effects of kinship or familiarity? Small thrips larvae experience lower predation risk only in groups of mixed-size siblings. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2014; 68:1029-1035. [PMID: 24833813 PMCID: PMC4018515 DOI: 10.1007/s00265-014-1715-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Revised: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In many species of insects, larvae are distributed in an aggregated fashion. As they may differ in size and size matters to predation risk, small larvae may be less likely to fall prey to predators when near large and therefore better-defended larvae. We hypothesize that the small larvae may profit even more when these large larvae are siblings. We tested this hypothesis on kinship-dependent survival in groups of larvae of the Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) exposed to a predatory mite (Iphiseius degenerans). Our experiments showed that small larvae in sibling groups survive significantly better than in non-sibling groups, but only when such groups consisted of a mixture of small and large larvae. To test whether the survival effect we found is due to familiarity of thrips larvae growing up together (i.e. on one leaf), we also measured survival in sibling groups of larvae grown up on different leaves and in non-sibling groups of larvae grown up on the same leaf. These experiments showed an increased survival of small thrips larvae only in groups of sibling larvae from the same leaf. Non-sibling larvae did not show an increased survival when they come from the same leaf. Our results indicated that the increased survival in sibling groups was only partly due to the familiarity effect we tested. Growing up together did not return the same survival effect for non-siblings as it did for siblings. We conclude that growing up together is a necessary but not sufficient condition for discrimination in thrips larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulien J A de Bruijn
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maurice W Sabelis
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn Egas
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Morin S, Keefe D, Naftolin F. The separation of sexual activity and reproduction in human social evolution. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 814:159-67. [PMID: 25015809 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1031-1_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In industrialized societies the progression of natural selection has been determined and in many cases superseded by social evolution. In the case of reproduction, there has been a decline and delay of childbearing without diminished sexual activity. While this has value for these societies, there are penalties associated with barren cycles. These include increases in endometriosis and breast and genital cancer. There also are associated issues regarding population movements that fill the "vacuums" left by underpopulation. These matters are of more than passing interest as we cope with unintended consequences of Man's dominance over the environment and other life forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Morin
- Division of Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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Steiger S, Ower GD, Stökl J, Mitchell C, Hunt J, Sakaluk SK. Sexual selection on cuticular hydrocarbons of male sagebrush crickets in the wild. Proc Biol Sci 2013; 280:20132353. [PMID: 24197415 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2013.2353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) play an essential role in mate recognition in insects but the form and intensity of sexual selection on CHCs has only been evaluated in a handful of studies, and never in a natural population. We quantified sexual selection operating on CHCs in a wild population of sagebrush crickets, a species in which nuptial feeding by females imposes an unambiguous phenotypic marker on males. Multivariate selection analysis revealed a saddle-shaped fitness surface, suggesting a complex interplay between the total abundance of CHCs and specific CHC combinations in their influence on female choice. The fitness surface resulting from two axes of disruptive selection reflected a trade-off between short- and long-chained CHCs, suggesting that males may be sacrificing some level of desiccation resistance in favour of increased attractiveness. There was a significant correlation between male body size and total CHC abundance, suggesting that male CHCs provide females with a reliable cue for maximizing benefits obtained from males. Notwithstanding the conspicuousness of males' acoustic signals, our results suggest that selection imposed on males via female mating preferences may be far more complex than previously appreciated and operating in multiple sensory modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Steiger
- Behavior, Ecology, Evolution and Systematics Section, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, , Normal, IL 61790-4120, USA, Institute of Experimental Ecology, University of Ulm, , Ulm 89081, Germany, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, , Regensburg 93053, Germany, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, , Cornwall Campus, Penryn TR10 9EZ, UK
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Simmons LW, Thomas ML, Simmons FW, Zuk M. Female preferences for acoustic and olfactory signals during courtship: male crickets send multiple messages. Behav Ecol 2013. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/art036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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