Lack of preference for conspecific calling songs in female crickets

Abstract

Benedix & Howard (1991, Evolution, 45,1751–1759) reported evidence of displacement in Allonemobius fasciatus(Orthoptera: Gryllidae) calling song in areas of overlap between A. fasciatus and A. socius . As part of an effort to determine whether this pattern could be accounted for by reinforcement, female phonotaxis was studied in both species. Females of both species were attracted to male songs, but were relatively insensitive to interspecific differences in songs. Thus, female preference does not appear likely to account for calling song divergence between A. fasciatus and A. socius .