Size‐dependent mating strategies and the risk of cannibalism

摘要: The role of sexual selection in determining the nature and direction size dimorphism may depend upon timing selection, this also influence variation male size. For example, through sperm competition favours smaller males highly sexually dimorphic orb-weaving spider Nephila edulis, whereas larger are better able to exclude their rivals from central hub web where mating takes place. We investigate experimentally body tenure fertilization success when different sizes compete for a single female over 24-h period that includes darkness. Our results confirm small large obtain similar paternity share but that, contrast with previous studies, does not translate into greater share. Unexpectedly, at risk postmating cannibalism than males, suggesting natural place lower limit on size. © 2008 Linnean Society London, Biological Journal Society, 2008, 94, 355–363.