Courtship in long-legged flies (Diptera: Dolichopodidae): function and evolution of signals |
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Authors: | Zimmer Martin; Diestelhorst Olaf; Lunau Klaus |
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Institution: | Institut für NeurobiologieAG Zoologie und Didaktik der Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany |
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Abstract: | Analyzing the courtship behavior of long-legged flies (Diptera:Dolichopodidae), we focus on the evolutionary development ofcourtship signals. Long-legged flies may serve as a model forthis evolutionary process, because males of some species presentsexually dimorphic badges during courtship, whereas others donot exhibit such conspicuous signals but present lavish courtshipbehavior, including dynamic flight maneuvers. A comparison ofthese two groups within a single taxonomic family provides insightinto the evolution of courtship signals and the correspondingbehavior. Males of the closely related Empididae do not possesssuch badges. Within the super-family Empidoidea, we proposean evolutionary shift from dynamically courting and mating onthe wing (in Empididae) to courting and mating on ground (inDolichopodidae), accompanied by signaling through badge-waving.By comparing previously published data and observations on courtshipbehavior in Dolichopodidae, we present the hypothesis that thelatter replaced the former energetically expensive behavioras a case of automimicry and sensory trap. |
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Keywords: | courtship Dolichopodidae habitat selection long-legged flies mate choice mimicry sexual selection signal evolution |
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