scholarly journals Sexual behavior of the desert locust during intra-and inter-phase interactions

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Golov ◽  
J. Rillich ◽  
M. Douek ◽  
A.R. Harari ◽  
A Ayali
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Dominant Role ◽  
Copulatory Behavior ◽  
Desert Locust ◽  
Sex Communication ◽  
Copulatory Courtship ◽  
Gregarious Locusts ◽  
Solitary Males ◽  
Ecological Success ◽  
Strong Asymmetry

AbstractMating and reproduction behaviors and strategies are fundamental aspects of an organism’s evolutionary and ecological success. In locusts, intra- as well as inter-phase reproductive interactions among gregarious and solitarious locust populations have a major impact on the locust population dynamics. However, practically all previous work on locust sexual behavior has been limited to the gregarious phase. Here we provide a first detailed description of pre-copulatory behavior of solitarious desert locusts. We compare our findings with those of previous reports of pre-copulatory behavior of gregarious locusts, focusing on the behavioral elements that serve in inter-sex signaling and communication. We also studied inter-phase (mixed pairs) reproductive interactions. Solitarious males were found to invest more in pre-copulatory courtship and signaling compared to their gregarious counterparts; and the solitarious females played a comparatively more dominant role in the inter-sex communication. The solitarious females were also less prone to demonstrate the typical rejection-related behavioral patterns displayed by the gregarious females. As a consequence of the particular characteristic behavior of each phase, the most successful among intra- and inter-phase pairs were gregarious males with solitary females. Least successful were solitary males encountered with gregarious females, indicating a strong asymmetry in inter-phase reproductive interactions. We discuss these results in the context of non-random or assortative mating in locust mixed or sympatric solitarious-gregarious populations.

Copulatory behavior in a pholcid spider: males use specialized genitalic movements for sperm removal and copulatory courtship

2013 ◽  
Vol 100 (5) ◽  
pp. 407-416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucía Calbacho-Rosa ◽  
Ivette Galicia-Mendoza ◽  
María Sofía Dutto ◽  
Alex Córdoba-Aguilar ◽  
Alfredo V. Peretti
Keyword(s):  
Copulatory Behavior ◽  
Copulatory Courtship

The development and termination of the 1968 plague of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Forskål) (Orthoptera, Acrididae)

1976 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 511-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. V. Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Schistocerca Gregaria ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Desert Locust ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Mature Adults ◽  
Westerly Winds ◽  
Threshold Rainfall ◽  
Gregarious Locusts ◽  
Parent Generation

AbstractThe population dynamics of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria* (Forsk.), in Africa, the Middle East and Asia from 1966 to 1969 have been analysed to determine the causes of the beginning and the abrupt end of the plague of 1968. Evidence indicates that in 1966 there were no persistent sequences of breeding by gregarious populations, but in 1967 and early 1968 there were four sequences of breeding by initially solitary behaving locusts, each resulting in a substantial increase in numbers and density. These events led to a plague that ended by mid-1969.The threshold rainfall requirement for successful breeding, defined as an increase in numbers from mature adults of the parent generation to filial fledglings, has been related to the rainfall required for the germination of ephemerals and their growth to sizes that can provide food and shelter for hoppers throughout their development. It is suggested that the minimum quantity of rainfall required initially over a large area is 25 mm. This requirement is usually met in the summer breeding areas. Rainfall in the winter-spring breeding areas is more variable, and falls exceeding the threshold are most commonly associated with deep troughs in the mid- and upper-tropospheric westerly winds in winter and spring. A season in which many such troughs occur may be essential for plague development. It is also suggested that the timing of successive periods of rainfall allowing successful breeding is critical in determining the occurrence of upsurges.Control against non-gregarious infestations failed to contain the upsurge, but later control measures against hopper bands and swarms contributed to the plague decline. The most economical strategy for plague prevention might be one of upsurge elimination, that is to say control in selected areas against gregarious locusts only. The implications of adopting such a strategy are discussed.

scholarly journals Precopulatory behavior and sexual conflict in the desert locust

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e4356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiftach Golov ◽  
Ally Harari ◽  
Jan Rillich ◽  
Amir Ayali
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Behavior ◽  
Schistocerca Gregaria ◽  
Courtship Behavior ◽  
Desert Locust ◽  
Agricultural Pest ◽  
Sexual Interaction ◽  
Ecological Success ◽  
Kinematic Diagram ◽  
Low Amplitude ◽  
Male Courtship Behavior

Studies of mating and reproductive behavior have contributed much to our understanding of various animals’ ecological success. The desert locust,Schistocerca gregaria, is an important agricultural pest. However, knowledge of locust courtship and precopulatory behavior is surprisingly limited. Here we provide a comprehensive study of the precopulatory behavior of both sexes of the desert locust in the gregarious phase, with particular emphasis on the conflict between the sexes. Detailed HD-video monitoring of courtship and mating of 20 locust pairs, in a controlled environment, enabled both qualitative and quantitative descriptions of the behavior. A comprehensive list of behavioral elements was used to generate an eight-step ethogram, depicting from first encounter between the sexes to actual copulation. Further analyses included the probability of each element occurring, and a kinematic diagram based on a transitional matrix. Eleven novel behavioral elements are described in this study, and two potential points of conflict between the sexes are identified. Locust sexual interaction was characterized by the dominance of the males during the pre-mounting stage, and an overall stereotypic male courtship behavior. In contrast, females displayed no clear courtship-related behavior and an overall less organized behavioral sequence. Central elements in the sexual behavior of the females were low-amplitude hind-leg vibration, as well as rejecting males by jumping and kicking. Intricate reciprocal interactions between the sexes were evident mostly at the mounting stage. The reported findings contribute important insights to our knowledge of locust mating and reproductive behavior, and may assist in confronting this devastating agricultural pest.

scholarly journals Precopulatory behavior and sexual conflict in the desert locust

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Golov ◽  
A. Harari ◽  
J. Rillich ◽  
A. Ayali
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Behavior ◽  
Schistocerca Gregaria ◽  
Courtship Behavior ◽  
Desert Locust ◽  
Agricultural Pest ◽  
Sexual Interaction ◽  
Ecological Success ◽  
Kinematic Diagram ◽  
Low Amplitude ◽  
Male Courtship Behavior

AbstractStudies of mating and reproductive behavior have contributed much to our understanding of various animals’ ecological success. The desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, is an important agricultural pest. However, knowledge of locust courtship and precopulatory behavior is surprisingly limited. Here we provide a comprehensive study of the precopulatory behavior of both sexes of the desert locust in the gregarious phase, with particular emphasis on the conflict between the sexes. Detailed HD-video monitoring of courtship and mating of 20 locust pairs, in a controlled environment, enabled both qualitative and quantitative descriptions of the behavior. A comprehensive list of behavioral elements was used to generate an eight-step ethogram, depicting from first encounter between the sexes to actual copulation. Further analyses included the probability of each element occurring, and a kinematic diagram based on a transitional matrix. Eleven novel behavioral elements are described in this study, and two potential points of conflict between the sexes are identified. Locust sexual interaction was characterized by the dominance of the males during the pre-mounting stage, and an overall stereotypic male courtship behavior. In contrast, females displayed no clear courtship-related behavior and an overall less organized behavioral sequence. Central elements in the sexual behavior of the females were low-amplitude hind-leg vibration, as well as rejecting males by jumping and kicking. Intricate reciprocal interactions between the sexes were evident mostly at the mounting stage. The reported findings contribute important insights to our knowledge of locust mating and reproductive behavior, and may assist in confronting this devastating agricultural pest.

scholarly journals Sexual Behavior of the Desert Locust During Intra- and Inter-Phase Interactions

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 629-641 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Golov ◽  
J. Rillich ◽  
M. Douek ◽  
A. R. Harari ◽  
A. Ayali
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Desert Locust

Female accompaniment by male whiptail lizards: is it mate guarding?

Behaviour ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 144 (11) ◽  
pp. 1383-1402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaime Zaldívar-Rae ◽  
Hugh Drummond
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Cycle ◽  
Mate Guarding ◽  
Potential Functions ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Copulatory Courtship ◽  
Alternative Hypotheses ◽  
Solitary Males ◽  
Whiptail Lizards

AbstractPost-copulatory female accompaniment by males is often interpreted as mate guarding. However, several alternative hypotheses for the function of accompaniment have received little attention. We analysed potential functions of post-copulatory accompaniment in whiptail lizards, Aspidoscelis costata, by comparing 23 accompanied females and 54 unaccompanied females in the field. Male companions closely followed females for 1 to 2 days around ovulation, after which females became unreceptive. Unaccompanied females were in all stages of the reproductive cycle, including 12 nearly-ovulating females. Male companions were aggressive to other males and, on average, won 98.7% of interactions. Only pairs in accompaniment performed consensual copulations (1 to 3 per pair). Solitary males attempted opportunistic copulations but did not selectively target nearly-ovulating females. Male companions attacked rivals attempting opportunistic copulations, but did not copulate in retaliation when attempts were successful. Accompaniment reduced lunges and pursuits from other males on females, but did not reduce opportunistic copulations or predation, or increase foraging opportunities for females. Through accompaniment, males likely (1) copulate repeatedly, (2) swamp rival sperm, (3) inseminate females more and (4) monopolise access to fertile females, whereas females may receive (1) post-copulatory courtship, (2) copulations with high quality males and (3) sufficient sperm for fertilisation.

scholarly journals Chronic melanocortin 4 receptor blockage causes obesity without influencing sexual behavior in male rats

2000 ◽  
Vol 166 (2) ◽  
pp. 419-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
AV Vergoni ◽  
A Bertolini ◽  
G Guidetti ◽  
V Karefilakis ◽  
M Filaferro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Copulatory Behavior ◽  
The Body ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Intracerebroventricular Infusion ◽  
Melanocortin 4 Receptor

We investigated the effects of continuous intracerebroventricular infusion of a melanocortin 4 receptor antagonist HS014 (cyclic [AcCys11, D-Nal14, Cys18, Asp-NH2(22)]beta-MSH-(11-22)) over 12 days and a subsequent 12-day recovery period on food intake, body weight and copulatory behavior in male rats. The results show that the food intake increased immediately after the start of the infusion of HS014 (0.16 nmol/h) and progressively increased thereafter. No tachyphylaxis was observed. When the infusion of HS014 was terminated, the food-intake levels dropped. The body weights of the rats had increased by 17% by the end of the study, compared with controls. During the recovery period, the body weight decreased towards the levels of the control rats. These results indicate that overeating and the subsequent increases in body weight caused by blockage of the melanocortin 4 (MC4) receptor are reversible when the blockage is ended. We also tested the copulatory behavior of vigorous male rats in the presence of female rats in estrous. We registered mount latency, the number of mounts, the intromission latency, the number of intromissions, the ejaculation latency and the post-ejaculatory interval three times during the study and also after acute administration of HS014 and alpha-MSH. The sexual behavior of the male rats was not affected. These results indicate that the MC receptors, in particular the MC4 receptor, may not be a major mediator of effects on copulatory behavior in male rats.

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