Frequency-dependent sexual selection in a natural population of oak leaf-roller moth (Tortrix viridana L.)

A mating system on the esterase locus Est-4 was studied in a natural population of oak leaf-roller moth Tortrix viridana L. Frequency-dependent sexual selection was revealed, which manifested itself in a "rare-type advantage". On the basis of obtained data, a new hypothesis for explanation of the "rare-type advantage" phenomenon is proposed. The hypothesis proceeds from the genetically determined choice of sexual partner, depending on the degree of phenotypic likeness.