Summary Many game‐theoretical models assume that the outcome of agonistic interactions depends on morphological and physiological asymmetries between rivals (the RHP ‐asymmetry hypothesis). However, some empirical studies fail at identifying traits linked to fighting capacity are thus unable support role in contest resolution. Perhaps resolution is less general than previously thought. If indeed important, then actual suite relevant should depend how costs accrued during disputes functional...

Abstract Competition for resources is a ubiquitous feature of life, and central topic in behavioral ecology. Organisms use assessment strategies to resolve contests, which can be delineated into two broad categories by the information individuals make decisions: mutual (MA) or self-assessment (SA). Most research hitherto has worked bin species one these categories. In this review, we discuss limitations approach provide solutions. We posit that do not need fixed within species, individuals,...

Abstract The males of numerous butterfly species fight with conspecific rivals to possess mating territories. Although there is little consensus on the nature costs or what traits favor victory, a recent analysis suggests that size may be minor importance. However, data are inconsistent, and wing length, metric has been most widely used for expressing in field studies, not provide reliable index muscle mass other determine resource holding potential. Here we investigate influence body wear...

Among insect species that compete for ownership of mating sites via aerial interactions, there is little consensus about how morphological and physiological traits functionally translate into costs during a fight. In this study, we evaluated the hypothesis in territorial disputes without physical contact, maximize endurance will be important determinants winning. To evaluate occurrence used high-speed video recording (240 frames per second) two previously unstudied satyrine butterflies:...

Adult males and females of many insect species are expected to adjust their daily activity pattern in order avoid stressful climatic conditions increase the chances encounter sexual partners. Using scan sampling methods associated with focal individual observations it was found that two satyrine butterflies similar size morphology, Hermeuptychia hermes (Fabricius) (Leptidoptera: Nymphalidae) Paryphthimoides phronius (Godart), show completely different patterns on forest edges southeastern...

How animals decide to withdraw from contests is central understand the evolution of fighting behavior. Game theory models suggest 2 major types decision criteria: 1) self-assessment, where individuals when they reach a cost-threshold determined by their own ability that may or not be affected injuries, 2) mutual assessment, based on information about relative opponents. Many empirical studies have assumed opponents use single strategy throughout whole fight. However, often find partial...

Abstract Theoretical models on mutualism dynamics predict that partner traits may influence the outcome of mutualistic interactions. However, most empirical data this issue is restricted to case studies, limiting our ability reach a more widespread comprehension role dynamic mutualisms. We investigated how protective mutualisms between ants and plants bearing extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) influenced by EFNs feeding EFNs. used meta‐analytical approach based 35 studies investigating effect ant...

Abstract A recurrent question in animal contests is whether individuals adopt a self or mutual assessment rule to decide withdraw from contest. However, many empirical studies fail find conclusive support for one of these two possibilities. possible explanation that strategies vary between individuals. In the orb-web spider Trichonephila clavipes, males perform vibrational display on webs may escalate physical contact. Since all phase and only some them escalate, we proposed 2 hypotheses:...

Abstract In many species, the location of females may affect spatial distribution males. If vary in their reproductive quality, and males have to fight for access females, then weaker should aggregate around high‐quality while avoiding areas occupied by high fighting capacity. However, this aggregation pattern only occur if low dispersing costs. Otherwise, preferentially stay near first female they encounter. study, we used golden silk orb‐web spider, Trichonephila clavipes , evaluate...

ABSTRACT In many species that fight over resources, individuals use specialized structures to gain mechanical advantage their rivals during contests (i.e., weapons). Although weapons are widespread across animals, how they affect the probability of winning is still debated. According theory, understanding weapons’ function in depends on identifying differences measured (e.g., weapon length versus shape), and used fights. Here, we developed a meta-analysis spanning 1,138 studies, from which...