Male-mimicking females increase male-male interactions, and decrease male survival and condition in a...

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Biology
• Behavioral Ecology
• Sexual Selection

Background:

• Sexual conflicts significantly influence biodiversity.
• Female polymorphism, including male mimicry, is observed in damselflies (Ischnura ramburii).
• Male mimicry aids females in evading harassment, but males may adapt to prevalent female morphs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how the proportion of male-mimicking females affects male damselfly behavior, condition, and survival.
• To test the hypothesis that male mimicry increases male-male interactions due to mating recognition errors.

Main Methods:

• Experimental manipulation of female morph proportions in mesocosms.
• Observation and measurement of male-male interaction rates.
• Assessment of male body mass and survival rates under varying density and morph proportions.

Main Results:

• Male-male interaction rates were highest in populations with a higher proportion of male-mimicking (andromorph) females.
• Males in andromorph-biased populations exhibited lower body mass and higher mortality.
• Male survival and body mass were negatively correlated with population density, with a notable interaction between andromorph frequency and density.

Conclusions:

• Female mating resistance traits, like male mimicry, can indirectly impact male damselflies' behavior, condition, and survival.
• These effects are particularly pronounced under crowded conditions.
• Sexual conflicts driven by female mimicry contribute to shaping male fitness and population dynamics.