Factors influencing the choice of female mate rejection strategies in the seaweed fly Coelopa nebularum (Diptera : Coelopidae)

Citation

Weall CV & Gilburn A (2000) Factors influencing the choice of female mate rejection strategies in the seaweed fly Coelopa nebularum (Diptera : Coelopidae). Journal of Insect Behavior, 13 (4), pp. 539-552. https://doi.org/10.1023/A%3A1007863618979

Abstract
Female Coelopa nebularum attempt to avoid mating with males by adopting up to three behavioral responses. Kicking and shaking are designed to dislodge mounted males, whereas downward abdominal curling prevents engagement of genitalia.We find that some females are more willing to mate than others, but their choice of rejection strategy is inconsistent. Mating does not affect behavior in immediately subsequent encounters. Male size influences the choice of rejection strategy and is positively associated with mating success. Different strategies have similar success rates. The response to a mount is not influenced by the size of a male encountered immediately beforehand.We propose that these results are inconsistent with adaptive mate choice or mate assessment and suggest that females are simply attempting to avoid the costs of mating with all males.

Keywords
sexual selection; mate choice; seaweed fly; willingness to mate; adult size; premating struggles

Journal
Journal of Insect Behavior: Volume 13, Issue 4

People

Dr Andre Gilburn

Senior Lecturer, Biological and Environmental Sciences