Courtship and mating behavior in four Pachytroctid species (Psocodea: ‘Psocoptera’: Troctomorpha: Nanopsocetae: Pachytroctidae)

Authors

  • Diane W. Young
  • Edward L. Mockford School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32870/dugesiana.v27i2.7104

Keywords:

courtship, Pachytroctidae, mating behavior mating

Abstract

Courtship and mating behavior were investigated in four species, representing three different genera, in the family Pachytroctidae. All exhibited a lengthy courtship in the male-above position followed by brief copulation in the female-above position with both facing in the same direction. This courtship behavior has not previously been observed in ‘Psocoptera’ and may be unique to Pachytroctidae. In three of the species in this study, the spermatophore remnant protruded from the tip of the male’s abdomen after copulation, and was immediately deposited on the surface of the experimental enclosure. Differences in courtship behavior of the two closely related and sympatric Tapinella species, described in this report, may represent reproductive isolating mechanisms. Under experimental conditions, we observed a male of each Tapinella species mount, court, and attempt to mate with a virgin female of the other species. In each case the female rejected the male and failed to mate. Implications relative to these behaviors are discussed. DOI links to videos are provided for easy access.

References

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Published

2020-07-01

Issue

Vol. 27 No. 2 (2020)

Section

Artículos

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  2. Authors may adopt other non-exclusive license agreements to distribute the version of the published work (eg to be deposited in an institutional telematic file or published in a monographic volume) provided the initial publication is indicated in this journal .
  3. Authors are encouraged and encouraged to disseminate their work through the Internet (eg in institutional telematic files or on their web page) before and during the sending process, which can produce interesting exchanges and increase appointments Of the published work. (See The effect of open access).