Predation risk, food deprivation and non-random mating by size in the stream water strider, Aquarius remigis
Sili, A.; Krupa, J.J.
Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 31.1: 51-56
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0340-5443 DOI: 10.1007/bf00167815
Accession: 002675601
The authors used a factorial experiment to examine the influence of predatory green sunfish and food deprivation on NRMS in male and female stream water striders, Aquarius remigis . As predicted by theory, food deprivation decreased the large-male mating advantage. The influence of predation risk, however, went against existing theory; that is, risk increased the large male mating advantage. The degree of large-male mating advantage was negatively related to a measure of the rate of male harassment of females. A behavioral mechanism that can explain these patterns emphasizes the contrasting effects of different competing demands on male harassment rates, female resistance and the role of male size in overcoming female resistance.