The significance of sexual dimorphism in the mating system of two species of tephritid flies (Aciurina trixa and Valentibulla dodsoni) (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Keyword(s):
The mating systems of Aciurina trixa and Valentibulla dodsoni (Diptera: Tephritidae) were observed in natural populations and field cage studies. Measurements of field-collected individuals of both species revealed that females were larger than males based on five size categories, but males had larger forefemora. Male behavior suggested that selection might favor increased foreleg size, due to a resulting enhancement of male ability to seize females prior to mounting. Male forefemur size was found to be a predictor of copulatory success in both species. Hypotheses concerning the adaptive significance of this sexual dimorphism are discussed.
Keyword(s):
2019 ◽
1987 ◽
Vol 13
(2)
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pp. 171-179
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2018 ◽
pp. 16-33
1947 ◽
Vol 1947
(01)
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pp. 7-27
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