The size of signal detection and emission organs in a synchronous firefly: sexual dimorphism, allometry and assortative mating.

ABSTRACT: The size of the organs responsible for emitting and detecting sexual communication signals is a likely target for selection. Communication via bioluminescent signals in synchronous fireflies is a promising model to test hypotheses regarding differences between males and females in the effect of the size of signal emission and detection organs on fitness components. Synchronous firefly species congregate in large numbers during the mating season, displaying bioluminescent signals aimed at potential mates during relatively short nightly periods. Operational sex ratios are male-biased and, thus, the so-called typical sex roles (indiscriminate males and choosy females) are expected to evolve. We studied the synchronous firefly Photinus palaciosi, a species that during the mating season

SUBMITTER: Lopez-Palafox T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7597648 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature