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Article Dans Une Revue Ecology and Evolution Année : 2018

Males prefer virgin females, even if parasitized, in the terrestrial isopod Armadillidium vulgare

Résumé

In many species, males increase their reproductive success by choosing high-quality females. In natural populations, they interact with both virgin and mated females, which can store sperm in their spermatheca. Therefore, males elaborate strategies to avoid sperm competition. In the terrestrial isopod Armadillidium vulgare, females can store sperm and produce several clutches. Moreover, this species can be parasitized by Wolbachia, which feminizes genetic males, transforming them into functional fe-males. Our study compared attractiveness and mate choice when a male is exposed to both virgin and experienced females (i.e., females who have produced offspring and rested for 6 months), with or without Wolbachia. Our results revealed that males are more attracted to virgin females than experienced females, even if these virgin fe-males are parasitized. Moreover, the chemical analysis highlighted different odors in females according to their reproductive and infection (Wolbachia-free or vertically Wolbachia- infected) status. Males attempted copulation more frequently and for longer with virgin females, even if Wolbachia- infected, while experienced females re-fused further copulation. The evolutionary consequences of both male choice and fe-male resistance on their fitness are discussed in this study.

Dates et versions

hal-01891928 , version 1 (10-10-2018)

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Margot Fortin, Catherine Debenest, Catherine Souty-Grosset, Freddie-Jeanne Richard. Males prefer virgin females, even if parasitized, in the terrestrial isopod Armadillidium vulgare. Ecology and Evolution, 2018, 8 (6), pp.3341 - 3353. ⟨10.1002/ece3.3858⟩. ⟨hal-01891928⟩
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