Evidence of monandry in a mosquito (Sabethes cyaneus) with elaborate ornaments in both sexes
Autor(es): South, Sandra H.; Arnqvist, Goran
Resumo: Despite the benefits of multiple mating to females many mosquitoes appear to be monandrous. Members of the mosquito tribe Sabethini are unique among the mosquitoes for they possess iridescent scales and elaborate ornaments in both sexes. Additionally, this tribe boasts the only reported cases of courtship display within the mosquitoes. Due to these singular traits and behaviors, we predicted that members of this tribe have a different mating system with relatively high female mating rate. We tested this prediction in the ornamented mosquito Sabethes cyaneus. Contrary to our prediction, however, females were monandrous throughout their lifetime and multiple gonotrophic cycles. We discuss the possible implications of monandry on the evolution of sexually homologous ornaments, with particular consideration of mutual mate choice.
Palavras-Chave: Mating Rate; Mating System; Polyandry; Signal; Sexual Selection; Diptera
Imprenta: Journal of Insect Behavior, v. 21, n. 6, p. 451-459, 2008
Identificador do objeto digital: 10.1007/s10905-008-9137-0
Descritores: Aedes aegypti - Sexual
Data de publicação: 2008
