The evolution of sexual signal modes and associated sensor morphology in fireflies (Lampyridae, Coleoptera).

ABSTRACT: Animals employ different sexual signal modes (e.g. visual, acoustic, chemical) in different environments and behavioural contexts. If sensory structures are costly, then evolutionary shifts in primary signal mode should be associated with changes in sensor morphology. Further, sex differences are expected if male and female signalling behaviours differ. Fireflies are known for their light displays, but many species communicate exclusively with pheromones, including species that recently lost their light signals. We performed phylogenetically controlled analyses of male eye and antenna size in 46 North American taxa, and found that light signals are associated with larger eyes and shorter antennae. In addition, following a transition from nocturnal light displays to diurnal pheromones, eye

SUBMITTER: Stanger-Hall KF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5805940 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature