Sex-specific site preferences in response to resource value in Drosophila prolongata

In species with resource-based mating systems, males and females often differ in their spatial distributions, reflecting divergent reproductive strategies and associated fitness benefits. Using automated tracking, this study investigated the influence of resource distribution and quality on sex-specific spatial positioning and behavioral patterns in the fruit fly Drosophila prolongata. Both sexes exhibited a positive correlation between occupancy and the size and quality of resource-dense areas (RDAs), but their behavioral responses varied by sex and reproductive status. Many males occupied and aggressively defended large, high-quality RDAs despite the potential costs, particularly when competitors were abundant. Conversely, female spatial behavior was dependent on their mating status: unmated females spent little time in RDAs, likely due to elevated risks of male harassment, yet frequently visited large RDAs specifically for mate acquisition. After mating, females significantly increased their presence in large RDAs. Our findings elucidate how resource distribution can shape reproductive strategies and resultant spatial patterns for males and females in resource-based mating systems.

The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s00265-026-03731-7.