Evidence from rhesus macaques suggests that male coloration plays a role in female primate mate choice

Male animals of many species use conspicuous coloration to attract mates. Among mammals, primates possess the most brilliant secondary sexual coloration. However, whether colour plays a part in primate female mate choice remains unknown. Adult male rhesus macaques undergo a hormonally regulated incr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Proceedings of the Royal Society. B, Biological sciences Biological sciences, 2003-11, Vol.270 (Suppl 2), p.S144-S146
Main Authors: Waitt, Corri, Little, Anthony C., Wolfensohn, Sarah, Honess, Paul, Brown, Anthony P., Buchanan-Smith, Hannah M., Perrett, David I.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Breeding seasons
Color
Colors
Face - blood supply
Face - physiology
Female
Female animals
Macaca Mulatta
Macaca mulatta - physiology
Male
Male animals
Mate Choice
Mating behavior
Mental stimulation
Monkeys
Photic Stimulation
Primates
Secondary Sexual Coloration
Sex Characteristics
Sexual Behavior, Animal
Visual fixation
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Summary:Male animals of many species use conspicuous coloration to attract mates. Among mammals, primates possess the most brilliant secondary sexual coloration. However, whether colour plays a part in primate female mate choice remains unknown. Adult male rhesus macaques undergo a hormonally regulated increased reddening of facial and anogenital skin during their mating season. We experimentally investigated whether red male facial coloration is preferred by simultaneously presenting female rhesus macaques (n = 6) with computer-manipulated pale and red versions of 24 different male faces. The duration and direction of gaze were measured to discern visual preferences. Females exhibited preferences for the red versions of male faces. It is proposed that male coloration might provide a cue to male quality.
ISSN:0962-8452
1471-2954
DOI:10.1098/rsbl.2003.0065