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Mating system, mate choice and parental care in a bark beetle
Bulletin of Entomological Research
|April 7, 2017
Summary
The cypress bark beetle exhibits size-assortative mating and biparental care, with females pioneering mating chambers. This sexual behavior enhances reproductive success in dying cypress trees.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Entomology
- Behavioral Ecology
Background:
- The cypress bark beetle (Phloeosinus armatus) is prevalent in East-Mediterranean dying cypress ecosystems.
- Adult beetles utilize these ephemeral resources for breeding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sexual behavior of Phloeosinus armatus, focusing on mating system, mate choice, and parental care.
- To link these behavioral traits to the beetle's reproductive success.
Main Methods:
- Observed female pioneering behavior in excavating mating chambers.
- Analyzed body size correlations for sexual dimorphism and size-assortative mating.
- Correlated male body size with egg count and tunnel length.
- Assessed the impact of parental care (biparental vs. maternal) on egg production.
Main Results:
- Females are the pioneering sex, with females being slightly larger than males and size-assortative mating observed.
- Male entry into mating chambers is influenced by relative body sizes.
- Male body size positively correlates with egg number and tunnel length.
- Biparental care results in significantly more eggs laid compared to maternal care alone.
Conclusions:
- A monogamous mating system, coupled with size-assortative mating and biparental care, significantly contributes to the reproductive success of the cypress bark beetle.
- These behavioral strategies are crucial for the species' adaptation to its specific ecological niche.
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