Journal
ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR
Volume 85, Issue 2, Pages 493-499Publisher
ACADEMIC PRESS LTD- ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2012.12.015
Keywords
Enchenopa binotata 'Ptelea'; function-valued trait; mate preference; peak preference; preference selectivity; repeatability of behaviour; sexual selection; trait variation; treehopper
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Funding
- National Science Foundation [IOS-1120790, IOS-0919962]
- Direct For Biological Sciences
- Division Of Integrative Organismal Systems [1120790] Funding Source: National Science Foundation
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Patterns of variation in mate preferences provide information about the processes influencing the evolution of mate choice behaviour. We measured variation in female mate preferences using preference functions, which are curves that describe female responses across variation in male signals. Over 3 weeks of testing, we repeatedly measured female Enchenopa binotata 'Ptelea' treehoppers (Hemiptera: Membracidae) for their preference for male signal frequency (Hz). We then calculated the consistency of differences in mate preference functions among females (i.e. repeatability) and variability across females for the preference functions. We then measured traits describing different aspects of variation in mate preferences, including peak preference and selectivity. We found repeatability in the overall preference functions, indicating a potential for preference functions to respond to selection. Furthermore, we found substantial repeatability and variability in selectivity traits and low repeatability and variability in peak preference. Finally, we found only weak covariation between peak preference and selectivity. We discuss the implications of our results within the framework of the evolution of mate preferences, both in terms of past selection shaping mate preferences, and the potential for preferences to respond to current selection. (C) 2013 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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