z-logo
open-access-imgOpen Access
Investment in sensory structures, testis size, and wing coloration in males of a diurnal moth species: trade‐offs or correlated growth?
Author(s) -
Shiel Brett P.,
Sherman Craig D. H.,
Elgar Mark A.,
Johnson Tamara L.,
Symonds Matthew R. E.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
ecology and evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.17
H-Index - 63
ISSN - 2045-7758
DOI - 10.1002/ece3.1459
Subject(s) - biology , sperm competition , lepidoptera genitalia , sexual conflict , mating , trade off , ecology , mate choice , zoology , receptivity , sensory system , sperm , wing , sexual selection , orange (colour) , botany , endocrinology , neuroscience , aerospace engineering , horticulture , engineering
For dioecious animals, reproductive success typically involves an exchange between the sexes of signals that provide information about mate location and quality. Typically, the elaborate, secondary sexual ornaments of males signal their quality, while females may signal their location and receptivity. In theory, the receptor structures that receive the latter signals may also become elaborate or enlarged in a way that ultimately functions to enhance mating success through improved mate location. The large, elaborate antennae of many male moths are one such sensory structure, and eye size may also be important in diurnal moths. Investment in these traits may be costly, resulting in trade‐offs among different traits associated with mate location. For polyandrous species, such trade‐offs may also include traits associated with paternity success, such as larger testes. Conversely, we would not expect this to be the case for monandrous species, where sperm competition is unlikely. We investigated these ideas by evaluating the relationship between investment in sensory structures (antennae, eye), testis, and a putative warning signal (orange hindwing patch) in field‐caught males of the monandrous diurnal painted apple moth T eia anartoides (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) in southeastern Australia. As predicted for a monandrous species, we found no evidence that male moths with larger sensory structures had reduced investment in testis size. However, contrary to expectation, investment in sensory structures was correlated: males with relatively larger antennae also had relatively larger eyes. Intriguingly, also, the size of male orange hindwing patches was positively correlated with testis size.

The content you want is available to Zendy users.

Already have an account? Click here to sign in.
Having issues? You can contact us here