Testing theories of sexual selection in decorated crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus)
Abstract
Question: Do females choose males according to their level of acoustic sexual activity,
fluctuating asymmetry, size, condition or do they select for genetic compatibility according
to relatedness? What are the relative strengths of selection on these traits and what might be the
benefit of the choice – large nuptial gifts, heritable attractiveness or quality?
Organism: Laboratory colony of decorated crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus).
Methods: Behavioural trial of female preference on male traits, multivariate logistic regression
of male traits on female preference, and heritability estimation of the traits with an animal
model.
Results: Female attraction strongly discriminated in favour of certain male courtship call
rates. None of the other potential cues, such as size-dependent traits, fluctuating asymmetry
or relatedness were involved in sexual selection. In addition, no evidence of benefits of the
attraction was found. However, if the cost of choice for females is low, then the potential
genetic benefits outweighing it might be smaller than what can be estimated with this data set.
Moreover, the signal itself is a strong species-specific signal that facilitates mate location and
helps to prevent maladaptive hybridization. Thus, the signal itself may be considered a benefit
without any additional correlated benefits.
Main Authors
Format
Articles
Research article
Published
2007
Series
Subjects
Publication in research information system
The permanent address of the publication
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:jyu-201904292319Use this for linking
Review status
Peer reviewed
Language
English
Published in
Evolutionary Ecology Research
Citation
- Ketola, T., Kortet, R., & Kotiaho, J. S. (2007). Testing theories of sexual selection in decorated crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus). Evolutionary Ecology Research, 9, 869-885.
Copyright© 2007 Tarmo Ketola