Contrasting Mutual Sexual Selection on Homologous Signal Traits in Drosophila serrata

The nature of male mating preferences, and how they differ from female mating preferences in species with conventional sex roles, has received little attention in sexual selection studies. We estimated the form and strength of sexual selection as a consequence of male and female mating preferences i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American naturalist 2005-02, Vol.165 (2), p.281-289
Main Authors: Chenoweth, Stephen F., Blows, Mark W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal reproduction
Animals
Drosophila - metabolism
Drosophila - physiology
Drosophila serrata
Female
Hydrocarbons - metabolism
Insects
Male
Phenotype
Selection
Sex Factors
Sex roles
Sexual Behavior, Animal
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Summary:The nature of male mating preferences, and how they differ from female mating preferences in species with conventional sex roles, has received little attention in sexual selection studies. We estimated the form and strength of sexual selection as a consequence of male and female mating preferences in a laboratory-based population of Drosophila serrata. The differences between sexual selection on male and female signal traits (cuticular hydrocarbons [CHCs]) were evaluated within a formal framework of linear and nonlinear selection gradients. Females tended to exert linear sexual selection on male CHCs, whereas males preferred intermediate female CHC phenotypes leading to convex (stabilizing) selection gradients. Possible mechanisms determining the nonlinear nature of sexual selection on female CHCs are proposed.
ISSN:0003-0147
1537-5323
DOI:10.1086/427271