Phenotypic plasticity of mate recognition systems prevents sexual interference between two sympatric leaf beetle species

• Published in: Evolution Vol. 70; no. 8; pp. 1819 - 1828
• Main Authors: Otte, Tobias, Hilker, Monika, Geiselhardt, Sven
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.08.2016; Society for the Study of Evolution; Oxford University Press
• Subjects: Animal behavior; Animal reproduction; Animals; Assortative mating; Brassica rapa - physiology; Brassicaceae - physiology; Chrysomelidae; Coleoptera - physiology; cuticular hydrocarbons; Diet; ecological speciation; Evolution; Female; Genotype & phenotype; Germany; Herbivory; Insects; Male; Mating Preference, Animal; Phaedon cochleariae; Phenotype; phenotype matching; Reproductive Isolation; sensory drive; sexual isolation; Sympatry; Veronica - physiology; Assortative mating; cuticular hydrocarbons; sensory drive; ecological speciation; sexual isolation; phenotype matching

Maladaptive sexual interactions among heterospecific individuals (sexual interference) can prevent the coexistence of animal species. Thus, the avoidance of sexual interference by divergence of mate recognition systems is crucial for a stable coexistence in sympatry. Mate recognition systems are tho...