Size and heterozygosity influence partner selection in the Formosan subterranean termite

摘要: In monogamous species that exhibit extensive biparental investment, such as termites, both sexes are predicted to be selective when choosing a mate. Size-related traits expected important in partner selection because the fat reserves of colony founders sustain incipient colony. Partner relatedness and heterozygosity determine degree inbreeding genetic diversity within may thus also influence selection. To test these predictions, we investigated whether phenotypic mate choice and/or competitive advantage during pair formation Formosan subterranean Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Pair termites normally occurs short period after swarming alates form tandem pairs on ground. Alates were collected from 5 light trap samples French Quarter New Orleans, LA. From each sample, single individuals their sex, body weights, head widths recorded. Pairwise individual levels determined by microsatellite genotyping. Males with females had significantly larger width than males did not pairs. Weights well running partners positively correlated. For majority samples, between differ members other Thus, no kin discrimination occurred running. However, engaged higher remained single. These findings suggest based size-related parameters diversity. The pairing heterozygous might explain previous sex-biased alate production depending colonies several genus Coptotermes.