Sexual ornamentation triggers rival aggressiveness in the Neotropical damselfly Hetaerina longipes (Odonata: Calopterygidae)

Author(s)

Pestana, Gabrielle Cristina ^[1] ; Caromano, Thais Gianotti ^[1] ; Ferreira, Rhainer Guillermo ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Fed Univ Sao Carlos UFSCar, Dept Hydrobiol, Lab Ecol Studies Ethol & Evolut LESTES, Sao Carlos Rodovia Washington Luis, Km 235, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ODONATOLOGICA; v. 47, n. 1-2, p. 121-132, JUN 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Coloration is associated with male quality in various animal species. These secondary sexual characters are a result of selective pressures that favor males able to cope with the physiological costs of production and maintenance of the ornament. Males of the Neotropical damselfly Hetaerina longipes exhibit red wing pigmentation, which is considered a sexual ornament. We tested the hypothesis that territorial males assess the quality of sexual ornamentation of rival males and respond with aggressive or neutral behaviors according to the quality of the opponent. Since wing pigmentation is an indicator of male quality, influencing contest outcome and territory acquisition, we expected that territorial males would decrease their aggressiveness when facing opponents with experimentally enhanced wing pigmentation, assuming that males should avoid conflicts with stronger males. The results suggest that territorial males are in fact more aggressive against rivals with increased pigmentation, contrary to our initial hypothesis. We discuss the cognitive ability of odonates in the assessment of opponents and suggest three hypotheses to explain the observed patterns. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/12004-9 - Test of the immunocompetence handicap hypothesis Hetaerina longipes (Odonata: Calopterygidae)
• Grantee: Gabrielle Cristina Pestana
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation