Sperm length variation is linked to sexual ornamentation in male paper wasps

Author(s)

de Souza, Andre R. ; Santos, Eduardo F. ; Baptista, Camila F. ; Dias, Glenda ; Nascimento, Fabio S. ; Lino-Neto, Jose

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ETHOLOGY ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION; v. N/A, p. 10-pg., 2022-09-26.

Abstract

Diversification of sperm design is a common feature in animals. Considerable intra-individual variation has been detected even in species whose males produce a monomorphic sperm. The evolutionary forces that shape the variation in the gross morphology of these gametic cells are still not completely understood. Previous studies suggest that the intra-individual variation in sperm size reduces as a result of post-copulatory sexual selection. To our knowledge, for the first time, we provide evidence here that pre-copulatory sexual selection can also play a role. By studying the Neotropical paper wasp, Polistes simillimus, a monandrous species, we found reduced variation in sperm length in males bearing sexual ornamentation preferred by females. Besides, the female spermatheca contains a less variable sperm compared to that in the male seminal vesicles. Thus, the scope of selection, acting on this sperm trait, seems broader than previously acknowledged. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/06632-2 - Fauna of the Neotropical Thynninae: distribution and new morphological and molecular data for the taxonomy of the group
• Grantee: Eduardo Fernando dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 20/14464-2 - Sexual selection in neotropical social wasps
• Grantee: André Rodrigues de Souza
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants