Different sperm allocation strategies in two populations of the semiterrestrial crab <i>Neohelice granulata</i> (Brachyura, Grapsoidea, Varunidae)

Moyano, María Paz Sal; Gavio, María Andrea; Luppi, Tomás Atilio

doi:10.1111/maec.12338

Cited by 7 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 77 publications

(138 reference statements)

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“…Besides, recently mated SM did not occupy empty LM burrows (experiment 4) supporting our hypotheses because it demonstrates that not recently mated SM may look for empty LM burrows to occupy with mating purposes in mind. A previous study demonstrated that LM transfer larger ejaculates than SM (Sal Moyano et al 2015), which also support the hypothesis about the Bcheating behavior^of SM. Effective copulation between females and SM inside empty burrows with copulation chambers constructed by LM was demonstrated previously in a field study (Sal Moyano et al 2012a).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 75%

Male size-dependent dominance for burrow holding in the semiterrestrial crab Neohelice granulata: multiple tactics used by intermediate-sized males

Moyano

Lorusso

Núñez

et al. 2016

Behav Ecol Sociobiol

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Dominance and the establishment of social hierarchies are frequently related to size: the larger individuals gain greater reproductive success, while the smaller ones display alternative mating strategies. We studied the existence of dominance and the alternative mating strategies among Neohelice granulata small (SM) and large (LM) males competing for burrows. LM construct burrows with copulation chambers while SM do not. Field studies showed the existence of a SM's size-range of 30-32 mm carapace width when they change behavior and occupy burrows with copulation chambers (hereafter referred to as the Bswitch size-range^). We found a restricted size-range in mating pair formation. Laboratory experiments showed that LM dominate SM because SM did not construct burrows in the presence of LM, and LM displaced SM from their burrows. When given the chance, recently mated SM occupied burrows without copulation chambers while not recently mated SM occupied chambered burrows. This is evidence that these males may be displaying a cheating mating strategy to copulate with females looking for these burrows: they occupy but do not own these burrows. SM can also intercept and mate females on the surface. Given the size restriction in pair formation, intermediatesized males in the switch size-range (30-32 mm carapace width) may copulate with a broader female size-range, larger and smaller than themselves. In this way, SM in the switch size-range may be acquiring a higher reproductive success by adopting multiple tactics. Male dominance hierarchies have been well documented in crustaceans, except for crabs. Here, we demonstrate male dominance related to the construction and defense of burrows and male size in the crab N. granulata. We found that small males of a certain size range adopt an alternative Bcheating^mating strategy that can enhance fitness. Therefore, although they are not large and dominant, small males can nevertheless achieve high reproductive success as a result of this alternative reproductive tactic.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 75%

Male size-dependent dominance for burrow holding in the semiterrestrial crab Neohelice granulata: multiple tactics used by intermediate-sized males

Moyano

Lorusso

Núñez

et al. 2016

Behav Ecol Sociobiol

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“…In crab species, variation in ejaculate allocation has been principally associated with male size and operational sex ratio (Jivoff 1997, 2003, Rondeau & Sainte-Marie 2001. The ejaculate allocation strategy can also differ between populations, as has been demonstrated in the semi-terrestrial crab Neohelice granulata (Sal Moyano et al 2015).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Ejaculate allocation in Brachyura: What do males of Metacarcinus edwardsii respond to?

Pardo¹,

Riveros²,

Chaparro³

et al. 2018

Aquat. Biol.

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In polygynous species, the sperm economy hypothesis predicts that males can adjust the amount of their ejaculate during copulation in response to (1) individual traits of females according to potential female fecundity, (2) future mating opportunities, and (3) risk of sperm competition. We tested this hypothesis in the crab Metacarcinus edwardsii by performing laboratory mating experiments to compare the response of males (sperm number and ejaculate weight delivered) in 3 sex-ratio scenarios: (1) equal, 1 female:1 male; (2) male-biased, 1 female:2 males; and (3) female-biased, 2 females:1 male. First, we determined if any variable, or an interaction between variables, could explain the variation in sperm or ejaculate amount delivered under an equal sex ratio. Second, we contrasted the ejaculate allocation among different sex-ratio scenarios. Under an equal sex ratio, males of M. edwardsii did not adjust their ejaculate allocation in response to any female trait. Male size was positively related to ejaculate delivery, indicating that the pair of vasa deferentia has ejaculate reserves that scale exponentially with male size. However, larger males delivered disproportionally more seminal fluid than sperm. Under a female-biased sex ratio, males did not show plasticity in their ejaculate allocation, but they increased their ejaculate investment (23%) per female under a male-biased sex ratio (i.e. risk of sperm competition). M. edwardsii presented a low level of ejaculate allocation, responding only when competitive males were perceived. In species with trans-molt sperm retention and long ejaculate storage, the risk of sperm competition is present all the time; therefore, males do not economize ejaculate even if more receptive females are available.

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Do Male Cook Strait Giant Weta Prudently Allocate Sperm?

Kelly

Gwynne

2017

J Insect Behav

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Different sperm allocation strategies in two populations of the semiterrestrial crab Neohelice granulata (Brachyura, Grapsoidea, Varunidae)

Cited by 7 publications

References 77 publications

Male size-dependent dominance for burrow holding in the semiterrestrial crab Neohelice granulata: multiple tactics used by intermediate-sized males

Male size-dependent dominance for burrow holding in the semiterrestrial crab Neohelice granulata: multiple tactics used by intermediate-sized males

Ejaculate allocation in Brachyura: What do males of Metacarcinus edwardsii respond to?

Do Male Cook Strait Giant Weta Prudently Allocate Sperm?

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