alternative mating tactics; density; newts; operational sex ratio; sexual defense; sexual selection; Mesotriton alpestris; Triton alpestre; amphibien; Ichthyosaura alpestris; Triturus alpestris; Alpine newt
Abstract :
[en] The aim of this laboratory experiment was to examine courtship behavior and reproductive success under two different perceived male densities ill the Alpine newt (Triturus alpestris). Male behavioral patterns were similar at unbiased and male-biased operational sex ratios (OSR). Although the exhibition of hiring behaviors is risky in the presence of other males, no difference in the frequencies of displays was found at the two male, densities. Similarly, the responsiveness of females towards males and the Success rate of the encounters (i.e. spermatophore transfer) were not explained by file OSR. Our results show that courting Alphine newts do not change their courtship patterns when other males are present and do not interact directly. However they are not necessarily opposed to those of previous experiments showing sexual interference awl ,female aversion in male-biased OSR with possibility of interactions. These observations suggest that the evolution of courtship behavior may not be driven by the risk of sexual interference with other males prior to potential physical contact and that the benefits of breeding regardless of OSR can overcome the risk of Competition at male-biased OSR.
Denoël, Mathieu ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences et gestion de l'environnement > Biologie du comportement - Ethologie et psychologie animale
Hector, Marie-Pierre; Université de Liège > Biologie du Comportement
Poncin, Pascal ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Biologie du comportement - Ethologie et psychologie animale
Language :
English
Title :
Courtship behavior in the Alpine newt Triturus alpestris at two different densities of males
Publication date :
2005
Journal title :
Herpetologica
ISSN :
0018-0831
Publisher :
Herpetologists League
Volume :
61
Issue :
4
Pages :
373-379
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Funders :
F.R.S.-FNRS - Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique [BE]
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