A tangled web: Comparing inter‐ and intraspecific mating dynamics in Anasa squash bugs

Abstract

Reproductive interference (RI), costly reproductive interactions between individuals of different species, is a common yet little understood phenomenon. The term encompasses a broad range of behaviours, from intrasexual competition between heterospecific males, to misdirected courtship and attempted and actual interspecific matings, the latter of which we focus on in this study (Burdfield-Steel & Shuker, 2011). In extreme cases, instances of interspecific mating attempts have been documented between individuals of different taxonomic orders or even classes (Haddad et al., 2015).Such observations have historically led to these interspecific mating events being dismissed as rare maladaptive curiosities, arising via mistaken identity. This paradigm likely stems from the assumption that individuals are under strong selection pressure to avoid such mating 'errors', given the observed costs that typically accompany these interactions (Kyogoku, 2015). These costs range from wasted time, energy and forfeited gametes through to physical damage, infertility and increased mortality (Sota & Kubota, 1998;Ting et al., 2014). However, there is growing evidence that, in fact, interspecific matings occur frequently, particularly between closely related species (Gröning & Hochkirch, 2008). Why is this form of RI so prevalent if it is indeed so costly? Is this a fundamental mate recognition error? Might it be an occasional by-product of an adaptive conspecific mating strategy? To answer these questions, we need to examine RI within the context of conspecific sexual selection and mating behaviours.The causes and consequences of any interspecific reproductive interactions are likely to be intimately linked to within-species

Gene Editing and Genetic Control of Hemipteran Pests: Progress, Challenges and Perspectives

“…Moreover, polyandrous mating systems, where females mate with multiple males, can limit the drive spread by reducing the probability that the egg will be fertilized by a drive-carrying sperm ( Manser et al, 2020 ; Sutter et al, 2021 ). Multiple matings can also increase sperm competition ( Iyengar and Reeve, 2010 ; Greenway et al, 2022 ). If the gene drive-carrying males have a reduction in sperm number and quality, sperm competition can hamper the reproductive ability of these animals and consequently suppress gene drive ( Manser et al, 2017 ; Dhole et al, 2020 ; Manser et al, 2020 ; Price et al, 2020 ).…”

Stronger sexual dimorphism in fruit flies may be favored when congeners are present and females actively search for mates

“…Alternatively, because female Strauzia search for territorial males waiting on plant leaves 44 , female choice is an important component of mating success and could drive character displacement. It can be costly to attempt mating (or worse, hybridize) with a different species due to time and energy wasted [45][46][47] , the risk of physical damage or mortality during mating 48,49 , or the wasting of gametes to generate unfit hybrids [50][51][52] . Though pheromone signals are important for finding mates in many tephritids 42 , wing markings and wing movements are known to be important at close range 42,53 , and visual signals are the primary long-range attractant in some genera 54 .…”