A tangled web: Comparing inter- and intraspecific mating dynamics in Anasa squash bugs.

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Behavioral Ecology

Background:

• Reproductive interference, involving interactions between different species, is common but its causes remain unclear.
• Investigating interspecific mating within the context of conspecific mating systems helps understand these drivers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare inter- and intraspecific mating dynamics in squash bugs Anasa tristis and Anasa andresii.
• To determine the drivers of reproductive interference in these closely related species.

Main Methods:

• Utilized replicated enclosures with individually marked Anasa tristis and Anasa andresii (5 males, 5 females each).
• Employed a robotic camera system for hourly mating behavior surveys over 14 days under semi-natural conditions.

Main Results:

• Observed high levels of reproductive interference, with 19% of individuals engaging in interspecific matings.
• The majority of mating activity remained intraspecific.
• Anasa tristis females involved in interspecific matings showed hatching success comparable to those mating conspecifically.

Conclusions:

• Reproductive interference can arise as a byproduct of limited intraspecific mate choice.
• Limited fitness penalties for interspecific mating may contribute to its prevalence in this system.