Effect of sperm depletion and starvation on female mating behavior in the water strider, Aquarius remigis

1996 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Lauer
Keyword(s):  
Mating Behavior ◽  
Water Strider ◽  
Aquarius Remigis ◽  
Female Mating ◽  
Sperm Depletion

Functional morphology of sexually selected gentalia in the water strider Aquarius remigis

2003 ◽  
Vol 81 (3) ◽  
pp. 400-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daphne J Fairbairn ◽  
Richard Vermette ◽  
Narinder N Kapoor ◽  
Nayer Zahiri
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscopy ◽  
Posterior Margin ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Fertilization Success ◽  
Water Strider ◽  
Female Resistance ◽  
Aquarius Remigis ◽  
Large Spine ◽  
Scanning Electron

In the water strider Aquarius remigis (Say), sexual selection favours males with longer genitalia. We used video analysis plus light and scanning electron microscopy to examine the structure, movement, and articulation of the genitalia as a first step in determining the functional basis of this selection. Male A. remigis are characterized by long, robust genital segments; a marked ventral median notch in the posterior margin of the pregenital segment; an enlarged phallus tipped with a uniquely prolonged sclerotized plate; and a large, spine-covered, membranous lobe that inflates within the female's reproductive tract. Detailed examinations of genital interactions prior to and during copulation allow us to deduce the functional significance of these distinguishing traits. We postulate that by increasing the length, mobility, strength, and rigidity of the phallus, the first three traits increase the ability of males to achieve intromission in spite of active female resistance, and to maintain intromission during the prolonged copulations characteristic of this species. Inflation of the large, spinous lobe probably contributes to the latter function, and may also directly affect fertilization success by displacing or damaging sperm from previous males. We discuss these interpretations in the context of current theories of genitalic coevolution and sexual conflict in the Gerridae.

Mating Behavior of Cephalonomia tarsalis (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) and the Effect of Female Mating Frequency on Offspring Production

2004 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ling-lan Cheng ◽  
Ralph W. Howard ◽  
James F. Campbell ◽  
Ralph E. Charlton ◽  
James R. Nechols ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mating Behavior ◽  
Mating Frequency ◽  
Female Mating ◽  
Offspring Production

The Effect of Abdominal Spines on Female Mating Frequency and Fecundity in a Water Strider

2005 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 619-631 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katri Ronkainen ◽  
Arja Kaitala ◽  
Riikka Huttunen
Keyword(s):  
Mating Frequency ◽  
Water Strider ◽  
Female Mating
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