Crickets detect the genetic similarity of mating partners via cuticular hydrocarbons

Abstract

Animals should decipher information about the genetic make‐up of conspecifics in order to enhance the fitness benefits associated with mate choice. Although there is increasing evidence to suggest that animals make genetically informed decisions about their mating partners, we understand relatively little about the sensory mechanisms informing these decisions. Here, we investigate whether cuticular hydrocarbons, chemical compounds found on the cuticle of most terrestrial arthropods, provide a means of discerning genetic similarity during mate choice in the cricket, Teleogryllus oceanicus. We found that individuals preferentially mated with partners who share more dissimilar cuticular hydrocarbon profiles and that similarity in cuticular hydrocarbon profiles between mating pairs correlated with their genetic similarity. Our results provide good evidence that cuticular hydrocarbon profiles offer a means of assessing genetic compatibility in T. oceanicus, enabling individuals to choose their most genetically suitable mate.

Kin discrimination increases with odor distance in the German cockroach

“…In this subsocial insect, odor masking may minimize kin biased competition and cannibalism among nymphs from different patrilines constituting the brood, whereas kin informative cues may favor inbreeding avoidance in adults (Wong et al 2014). Evidence of accurate kin recognition in solitary insects also supports this hypothesis (e.g., crickets: Thomas and Simmons 2011).…”

Proteins and peptides as pheromone signals and chemical signatures

“…Animals commonly use chemosensory cues in mate choice for gene compatibility, to avoid mating with kin and sometimes to select for heterozygosity in partners (for example in crickets (Thomas & Simmons, 2011) and among vertebrates as detailed below; see Wyatt, 2014 for detailed discussion). These cues may be learned when young (for example, the familial odours of siblings and parents in the burrow of a mammal are learned, and when adult potential mates with these odours are avoided).…”

Understanding the link between sexual selection, sexual conflict and aging using crickets as a model

“…CHCs cover the exoskeletons of all terrestrial arthropods and evolved primarily to protect against water loss (Blomquist and Bagnères, 2010). However, CHCs are also used in female mate choice, for example females in some species prefer mates with dissimilar CHC profiles, which reflects genetic dissimilarity and compatibility between partners (Thomas and Simmons, 2011). A combination of these auditory, chemical and behavioral cues help females choose a mate.…”