Male mate preference for large size overrides species recognition in allopatric flat lizards (<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Platysaurus broadleyi</Emphasis>) |
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Authors: | Monica?N?Wymann Email author" target="_blank">Martin?J?WhitingEmail author |
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Institution: | (1) School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences ,Communication & Behaviour Research Group, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, South Africa;(2) Present address: Bachlettenstrasse 76, 4054 Basel, Switzerland |
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Abstract: | Species recognition and mate preference both influence mate choice but can be in conflict with each other. In such cases the relative importance of the two functions depends on the costs of mating with heterospecifics and the frequency of such interactions. We tested whether male flat lizards (Platysaurus broadleyi) are able to discriminate between conspecific females and females of its allopatric sister species P. capensis. Given a simultaneous choice between equally sized females of both species, males courted conspecific females in 85% of trials. We then tested whether mate preference for large female body size can override species recognition. When offered a choice between a larger heterospecific female and a smaller conspecific, males showed no preference for conspecifics and courted larger heterospecific females in 58% of trials. Comparison of the two sets of trials showed a significant effect of female body size on male mate preference, supporting the hypothesis that mate quality can override species recognition.Communicated by K. Kotrschal |
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Keywords: | Mate preference Species recognition Conflicting preference Squamata Cordylidae |
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