The hidden cost of sexually selected traits: the metabolic expense of maintaining a sexually selected weapon.

ABSTRACT: Sexually selected weapons are among the most exaggerated traits in nature. Sexual selection theory frequently assumes a high cost of this exaggeration; yet, those costs are rarely measured. We know very little about the energetic resources required to maintain these traits at rest and the difference in energetic costs for the largest individuals relative to the smallest individuals. Knowledge in this area is crucial; resting metabolic rate can account for 30-40% of daily energy expenditure in wild animals. Here, we capitalized on the phenomenon of autotomy to take a unique look at weapon maintenance costs. Using Leptoscelis tricolor (Hemiptera: Coreidae), we measured CO₂ production rates before and after a weapon was shed. Males in this insect species use enlarged hind fe

SUBMITTER: Somjee U 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6253382 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature