Mating frequency mediates personality expression in facultatively polyandrous mites.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Animal personalities are characterized by within-individual consistency linked to among-individual variability. Personality expression is often dependent on major life history events such as mating and the onset of reproduction. Here, we hypothesized that in facultatively polyandrous animals, multiple mating increases the females' assets (i.e., residual reproductive value - RRV), due to direct and/or indirect benefits. Based on the predictions of the asset protection principle, higher RRV should promote behaviors that reduce the risk of fitness loss and hence mediate behavioral repeatability displayed in groups.

Methods

We tested our hypothesis in group-living predatory mites, Phytoseiulus persimilis. Predatory mite females were presented with one or two mates, an

SUBMITTER: Schausberger P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12752185 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature