Fluctuating asymmetry and sperm transfer in male decorated field crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus) |
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Authors: | D C Farmer C J Barnard |
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Institution: | (1) Animal Behaviour Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK e-mail: christopher.barnard@nottingham.ac.uk Tel.: +44-115-9513218, Fax: +44-115-9513251, GB |
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Abstract: | Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in limb size in female decorated field crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus) was associated with a reduction in the size of the spermatophore and the amount of sperm transferred by males and an increase
in the time taken to transfer a spermatophore following introduction of a female. There was a weaker negative relationship
between limb asymmetry in males and sperm number but no significant relationship between asymmetry in either sex and spermatophylax
size. In line with a previous study, female size did not appear to influence spermatophore production or mating decisions
by males. The results imply that developmental instability affects both gamete production and mating decisions among males,
although the relationships between spermatophore size, sperm number and asymmetry in females are unlikely to be the result
of males perceiving differences in female FA.
Received: 24 July 1999 / Received in revised form: 22 November 1999 / Accepted: 31 December 1999 |
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Keywords: | Fluctuating asymmetry Body size Sperm Spermatophylax Gryllodes sigillatus Mate choice |
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