Sperm transfer and male competition in a bumblebee
Article Abstract:
Sperm transfer in Bombus terrestris L., the bumblebee, has been examined. The species tends to mate singly in the wild, though it has also been know to mate multiply in captivity. The duration of copulation was timed, and queens were dissected following copulation. Most sperm transfer occurs in the first two minutes of mating, though copulation lasted for an average of 37 min. The male also transferred a mating plug, which increases the cost of mating, and may help to explain why this species tends to be singly mated in the wild.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 1999
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Functions of mudballing behaviour in the European fiddler crab Uca tangeri
Article Abstract:
Both male and female European fiddler crab, Uca tangeri, produce mudballs. Among females this is merely a by-product of nest digging but among males, mudballs serve two other functions. Experimental removal of mudballs increased aggression among neighboring males while placing mudballs next to crab dummies encouraged females to approach and enter the burrows. These results suggest that mudballing behavior serves to reduce competition among males and attract female conspecifics.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 1998
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