Sexual Dimorphism in Mandibles and Male Aggressive Behavior in the Presence and Absence of Females in the Beetle Librodor japonicus (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)

Authors: Okada, Kensuke; Miyatake, Takahisa

Source: Annals of the Entomological Society of America, Volume 97, Number 6, November 2004 , pp. 1342-1346(5)

Publisher: Entomological Society of America

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Abstract:

Sexual dimorphism was found in the mandibles and other supportive structures used in male-male combat over females in Librodor japonicus. Observation of the behavior of male-male interactions of L. japonicus elucidated the influence of contestant size and resource ownership status on the outcome of male-male fighting. Interactions escalated in the presence of females, indicating the influence of resource value on the intensity of male fighting. At escalated fighting, the outcome of combat was influenced by size and ownership status. This study is the first on sexual dimorphism and male fighting in the Nitidulidae.

Keywords: overflow model; resource value; weapon

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2004-11-01

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Annals of the Entomological Society of America is published in January, March, May, July, September, and November. Annals especially invites submission of manuscripts that integrate different areas of insect biology, and address issues that are likely to be of broad relevance to entomologists. Articles also report on basic aspects of the biology of arthropods, divided into categories by subject matter: systematics; ecology and population biology; arthropod biology; arthropods in relation to plant diseases; conservation biology and biodiversity; physiology, biochemistry, and toxicology; morphology, histology, and fine structure; genetics; and behavior.
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