Genotype-by-environment interactions for precopulatory mate guarding in a lek-mating insect

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Biology
• Behavioral Ecology
• Genetics

Background:

• Sexual selection drives diverse male adaptations in sexually reproducing species.
• Mate guarding, a strategy to prevent rivals from mating, can be plastic if social conditions vary and genetic variation exists.
• The lesser wax moth (Achroia grisella) exhibits unusual precopulatory mate guarding behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate genetic variation in the plasticity of precopulatory mate guarding behavior in Achroia grisella.
• To test for genotype-by-environment interactions (G × E) in mate guarding plasticity under varying perceived sperm competition risk.

Main Methods:

• Males from six inbred lines were exposed to either elevated or control perceived male-male competition risk.
• Mating latency and copulation duration with a second female were measured.
• Inbred line-by-competitor treatment interactions were analyzed to detect G × E.

Main Results:

• Significant inbred line-by-competitor treatment interactions were found for mating latency and copulation duration with the second female.
• These interactions suggest genetic variation exists in the plasticity of mate guarding behavior.
• No significant G × E interaction was detected for the combined measure of mating latency and copulation duration.

Conclusions:

• The findings indicate potential for adaptive evolution of mate guarding plasticity in lek-mating species.
• Further research, including selection experiments and comparative studies, is needed to understand the evolution of this plasticity.