Genital shape correlates with sperm transfer success in the praying mantis Ciulfina klassi (Insecta: Mantodea) |
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Authors: | Gregory I Holwell Claire Winnick Tom Tregenza Marie E Herberstein |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, NSW, Australia;(2) School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand;(3) Centre for Ecology and Conservation, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Tremough, Penryn, TR10 9EZ, UK |
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Abstract: | The rapid divergence of male genitalia is a widely observed evolutionary phenomenon. Although sexual selection is currently
regarded as providing the most likely driving force behind genital diversification, the mechanisms responsible are still debated.
Here, we investigate the relationship between male genital morphology and sperm transfer in the praying mantid Ciulfina klassi using geometric morphometrics. The shape of male genitalia in C. klassi influenced sperm transfer duration and the number and proportion of sperm transferred, suggesting that genital morphology
is under sexual selection in this species. Genital size however was not correlated with any aspect of sperm transfer. Intriguingly,
two of the major genital shape components correlated positively with the number of sperm transferred, but negatively with
sperm transfer duration. Hence, males that most effectively transfer sperm to the female spermatheca do so in a relatively
short period of time. A direct negative relationship was also found between sperm transfer duration and sperm transfer success.
Overall, our study suggests that the variable genital shape of Ciulfina may have been selected for more efficient sperm transfer. |
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