Mate discrimination by females in the burying beetle Nicrophorus orbicollis: the influence of male size on attractiveness to females

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2311.2002.0371a.x
• Publication Date: 2003-03-11T16:28:37Z
• Authors: Andria E. Beeler; Claudia M. Rauter; Allen J. Moore
• Keywords: Mating preferences

Summary 1. Female burying beetles behave differently towards males of different sizes, avoiding mating with large that are not defending resources but small regardless the presence resources. Females beetle Nicrophorus orbicollis were therefore examined to determine whether they discriminate among using only pheromonal signals. The influence female size on its own mate choice was also examined. 2. do use male signals and these appear convey information about body females. Overall, females more likely be attracted larger than smaller males. 3. a influenced by both female's relative two available it. 4. While there is an overall advantage for males, resulting from preferences based odour cues, attractive some under circumstances. 5. It argued costs benefits sized leading evolution context‐dependent need able sizes distance.