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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Female sexual maturity as a determining factor of size-assortative pairing in the protandrous spider Manogea porracea (Araneae, Araneidae)

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Author(s):
Moura, Rafael Rios [1, 2] ; Vasconcellos-Neto, Joao [3] ; Gonzaga, Marcelo Oliveira [4]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Uberlandia, Posgrad Ecol & Conservacao Recursos Nat, Uberlandia, MG - Brazil
[2] Univ Estadual Campinas, Dept Biol Anim, Posgrad Biol Anim, Campinas, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Estadual Campinas, Dept Biol Anim, Campinas, SP - Brazil
[4] Univ Fed Uberlandia, Inst Biol, Uberlandia, MG - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: ZOOLOGISCHER ANZEIGER; v. 284, p. 1-6, JAN 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Protandry occurs when males mature prior to females in the breeding season. There may be a fitness benefit for males if they are able to copulate and defend virgin and more fecund females. Therefore, fitness benefits can be investigated by studying assortative mating during mate guarding of virgin females before and after female sexual maturation. The asynchrony of female development in the protandrous spider Manogea porracea (Araneidae) provides an opportunity to investigate how female sexual maturity (subadult and adult females) influence size-assortative pairing. We investigated size differences between couples composed of males and subadult females, and of males and adult females. We hypothesized that size-assortative pairing is stronger in couples with adult females. Adult females were larger than subadults, but the size of males paired with females from both groups was similar. We found assortative pairing within all couples involving an adult female. However, this pattern was not observed among couples with subadult females. It is possible that the production of sexual pheromones by adult females after their last molt intensifies male intrasexual competition, promoting positive assortative pairing. We discuss the potential mechanisms affecting male mate choice and mate competition during pairings in M. porracea. (C) 2019 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 17/14196-5 - Interpopulational variation in mating system and reproductive success of Manogea porracea (Araneae, Araneidae), a spider with amphisexual care
Grantee:Rafael Rios Moura
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral