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Male beetles attracted by females mounting

Author

Listed:
  • Ally R. Harari

    (University of Florida
    The Volcani Center)

  • H. Jane Brockmann

    (University of Florida)

Abstract

Intrasexual mounting is performed by males and females of many taxa1, and female–female mounting occurs in insects, lizards, birds and mammals1,2. Although the adoption by females of other male-like characters, such as mimicry of male colour patterns3,4,5, is known to be advantageous, the benefits of female–female mounting have remained mysterious. Here we describe a pattern of female–female mounting in the beetle Diaprepes abbreviatus (Curculionidae) and demonstrate that it conveys a possible evolutionary advantage by providing a greater opportunity for the females to mate with larger males. This explanation may also apply to female intrasexual mounting in several other insect species.

Suggested Citation

  • Ally R. Harari & H. Jane Brockmann, 1999. "Male beetles attracted by females mounting," Nature, Nature, vol. 401(6755), pages 762-763, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:401:y:1999:i:6755:d:10.1038_44515
    DOI: 10.1038/44515
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