Sexual selection: do flies lie with asymmetric legs?

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Behavioral Ecology

Background:

• Empididae, commonly known as dance flies, are a diverse family of Diptera.
• Sexual selection often drives the evolution of elaborate traits in insects.
• Polymorphisms, or the occurrence of multiple forms within a population, can arise from various evolutionary pressures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a newly identified species of empidid fly.
• To investigate the function of a bizarre foreleg polymorphism observed in this species.
• To explore the potential evolutionary mechanisms, such as frequency-dependent deceptive male signaling, underlying this trait.

Main Methods:

• Field observation and collection of the newly described empidid species.
• Morphological analysis of the polymorphic forelegs.
• Behavioral studies to assess the role of forelegs in mating rituals.
• Hypothesis testing for frequency-dependent selection models.

Main Results:

• A novel species of empidid fly with distinct foreleg polymorphism has been identified.
• The polymorphic forelegs are hypothesized to function as a mating lure for females.
• Preliminary evidence suggests the trait may be influenced by frequency-dependent deceptive male signaling.

Conclusions:

• The newly discovered empidid species presents a unique case of extreme sexual dimorphism.
• Foreleg polymorphism likely plays a crucial role in the reproductive success of males.
• Frequency-dependent deceptive signaling offers a plausible evolutionary explanation for the observed trait.