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Evidence of Monandry in a Mosquito (Sabethes cyaneus) with Elaborate Ornaments in Both Sexes

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Abstract

Despite the benefits of multiple mating to females many mosquitoes appear to be monandrous. Members of the mosquito tribe Sabethini are unique among the mosquitoes for they possess iridescent scales and elaborate ornaments in both sexes. Additionally, this tribe boasts the only reported cases of courtship display within the mosquitoes. Due to these singular traits and behaviors, we predicted that members of this tribe have a different mating system with relatively high female mating rate. We tested this prediction in the ornamented mosquito Sabethes cyaneus. Contrary to our prediction, however, females were monandrous throughout their lifetime and multiple gonotrophic cycles. We discuss the possible implications of monandry on the evolution of sexually homologous ornaments, with particular consideration of mutual mate choice.

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Acknowledgments

Sincerest thanks to R. G. Hancock and W. A. Foster for providing us with the S. cyaneus colony used here and for rearing advice. Thank you also to B. Stenerlöw at the Division of Biomedical Radiation Sciences, Uppsala University for allowing us to use the caesium source. This study was made possible by financial support from The Swedish Research Council (G.A.) and Zoologiska Stiftelsen (S.S.).

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  1. Department of Animal Ecology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, 752 36, Uppsala, Sweden

    Sandra H. South & Göran Arnqvist

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  1. Sandra H. South
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  2. Göran Arnqvist
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Correspondence to Sandra H. South.

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South, S.H., Arnqvist, G. Evidence of Monandry in a Mosquito (Sabethes cyaneus) with Elaborate Ornaments in Both Sexes. J Insect Behav 21, 451–459 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10905-008-9137-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10905-008-9137-0

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