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Transient sexual mimicry leads to fertilization

Author

Listed:
  • Roger T. Hanlon

    (Marine Resources Center, Marine Biological Laboratory)

  • Marié-Jose Naud

    (School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway College, University of London
    School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University)

  • Paul W. Shaw

    (School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway College, University of London)

  • Jon N. Havenhand

    (School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University
    Tjarnö Marine Biological Laboratory, Gothenburg University)

Abstract

Sexual mimicry among animals is widespread1,2, but does it impart a fertilization advantage in the widely accepted ‘sneak–guard’ model3 of sperm competition? Here we describe field results in which a dramatic facultative switch in sexual phenotype by sneaker-male cuttlefish leads to immediate fertilization success, even in the presence of the consort male. These results are surprising, given the high rate at which females reject copulation attempts by males, the strong mate-guarding behaviour of consort males, and the high level of sperm competition in this complex mating system4,5.

Suggested Citation

  • Roger T. Hanlon & Marié-Jose Naud & Paul W. Shaw & Jon N. Havenhand, 2005. "Transient sexual mimicry leads to fertilization," Nature, Nature, vol. 433(7023), pages 212-212, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:433:y:2005:i:7023:d:10.1038_433212a
    DOI: 10.1038/433212a
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