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Evolution of lure response in tephritid fruit flies: phytochemicals as drivers of sexual selection

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Kumaran, N., Balagawi, S., Schutze, M. K. and Clarke, A. R. (2013) Evolution of lure response in tephritid fruit flies: phytochemicals as drivers of sexual selection. Animal Behaviour, 85 (4). pp. 781-789. ISSN 0003-3472

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Article Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2013.01.024

Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003347213000523

Abstract

The males of many Bactrocera species (Diptera: Tephritidae) respond strongly and positively to a small number of plant-derived chemicals (=male lures). Males that have imbibed the lures commonly have a mating advantage over unfed males, but no female benefits have been demonstrated for females mating with lure-fed males. It has been hypothesized that the strong lure response is a case of runaway selection, where males receive direct benefits and females receive indirect benefits via ‘sexy sons’, or a case of sensory bias where females have a lower threshold response to lures. To test these hypotheses we studied the effects of lure feeding on male mating, remating and longevity; while for females that had mated with lure-fed males we recorded mating refractoriness, fecundity, egg viability and longevity. We used Bactrocera tryoni as our test animal and as lures the naturally occurring zingerone and chemically related, but synthetic chemical cuelure. Feeding on lures provided direct male benefits in greater mating success and increased multiple mating. For the first time, we recorded direct female effects: increased fecundity and reduced remating receptivity. Egg viability did not differ in females mated with lure-fed or unfed males. The life span of males and females exposed to lures was reduced. These results reveal direct, current-generation fitness benefits for both males and females, although the male benefits appear greater. We discuss that while lure response is indeed likely to be a sexual selection trait, there is no need to invoke runaway selection to explain its evolution.

Item Type:Article
Corporate Creators:Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland
Business groups:Biosecurity Queensland
Keywords:cuelure male fitness remating inhibition Tephritidae zingerone
Subjects:Science > Entomology
Science > Zoology > Invertebrates > Insects
Plant culture > Fruit and fruit culture
Plant pests and diseases
Plant pests and diseases > Economic entomology
Plant pests and diseases > Pest control and treatment of diseases. Plant protection
Live Archive:04 Jan 2024 04:19
Last Modified:04 Jan 2024 04:19

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