Influence of female cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profile on male courtship behavior in two hybridizing field crickets Gryllus firmus and Gryllus pennsylvanicus.

摘要: The hybridizing field crickets, Gryllus firmus and pennsylvanicus have several barriers that prevent gene flow between species. behavioral pre-zygotic mating barrier, where males court conspecifics more intensely than heterospecifics, is important because by acting earlier in the life cycle it has potential to a larger fraction of hybridization. mechanism behind such male mate preference unknown. Here we investigate if female cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profile could be signal courtship. While two species display nearly identical CHC profiles, females different, albeit overlapping profiles some (between 15 45%) both male-like distinct from typical females. We classified into three categories: G. firmus-like (F; including mainly females), pennsylvanicus-like (P; (ML; species). courted ML F often faster they P (p < 0.05). were slower males, but (p < 0.05) their own conspecific (no difference F). Both heterospecific other (p < 0.05, significant only for males). Our results suggest at least partially informed elicit high courtship behavior Since exist are preferred over females, likely this type responsible most hybrid offspring production.