The evolution of sexually dimorphic earwig forceps: social interactions among adults of the toothed earwig, Vostox apicedentatus

Earwigs (Insecta, Dermaptera) are characterized by uniquelyelaborated cerci, commonly called forceps, the function of whichremains unclear. We studied intrasexual and intersexual interactionsin the laboratory to examine the context and pattern of forcepsuse in the toothed earwig. Vostox apictdenlatus (Caudell). Interactionsbetween pairs of earwigs were recorded in four social situations:(1) two males, (2) two males plus a virgin female, (3) two females,and (4) one male and one female. Forceps were used as both weaponsand display structures by males and females in all of thesesocial contexts. During pairwise male-male interactions, onemale clearly dominated the other male. Dominant males were moreactive and more likely to use their forceps in intrasexual interactionsthan were subordinate males. In interactions where there weretwo males and one female present, the male that dominated male-maleinteractions was able to maintain exclusive access to the female.There was no indication of active female choice during or aftercourtship. During intersexual interactions, only males usedtheir forceps during courtship. The behavioral repertoire involvingforceps was greater for males than for females, especially inintrasexual contests. There was no clear outcome of intrasexualinteractions among females. These results suggest that forcepsfunction mainly as weapons in male-male interactions and mayhave evolved, at least in part, as a result of sexual selection.Further research is required to test for female mate choiceand to separate the various mechanisms of sexual selection ifmate choice exists. Comparative studies are needed to determineif sexual selection was the original evolutionary mechanismleading to the development of these unusual structures or ifsexual selection is relegated to a secondary effect, leadingto the elaboration and sexualdimorphism of these structuresin selected groups of earwigs.