Insects (Mar 2023)

Mate Selection on <i>Anastrepha curvicauda</i>: Effect of Weight, Age, and Virginity

  • Patricia Villa-Ayala,
  • Javier Hernández-Reynoso,
  • Alfredo Jiménez-Pérez

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14040317
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 4
p. 317

Abstract

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Sexual selection determines the evolution of the species by favoring some attributes that confer a reproductive advantage to those individuals with those attributes. Tephritidae flies do not always select the same traits when looking for a mating partner. Some aspects of the mating system of Anastrepha curvicauda are known; nevertheless, there is no information on the effect of age, size, and virginity when selecting a mating partner. We set up a series of experiments where a selector (male or female) may select between (a) an old or young partner, (b) a small or large partner, and (c) a virgin or mated partner. Males of A. curvicauda significantly preferred large, young, and virgin females, while females showed no preference for high- or low-quality males. The females’ non-preference for a particular male is discussed in the light of their mating system.

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