Male condition and group heterogeneity predict extra-group paternity in a Neotropical bat

Abstract

Extra-group paternity, in which offspring are sired by a male outside the breeding group, may alter the distribution of reproductive success in a population, thus affecting the opportunity for sexual selection. Both inter- and intraspecific studies have focused largely on mating systems in which females choose their social mates, and less is known about extra-group paternity in polygynous systems in which social mates are largely dictated by male-male competition. In this study, we examine the frequency and distribution of extra-group paternity in a harem-forming bat, Phyllostomus hastatus. We find that despite aggressive harem defense, males are unable to fully monopolize reproduction within their harem and over 70% of harems contain extra-group offspring. Harem males in better body condition suffered less paternity loss, but we found no effect of male age or body size. Even though the age and size of individual females did not predict offspring paternity, we found a significant effect of age heterogeneity within the group. Harems composed of differently aged females were more likely to contain extra-group offspring. Our results not only provide evidence for the role of male defense in preventing extra-group paternity but also suggest that social group composition has consequences for male reproductive success. In polygynous societies, the ability to monopolize mating is critical to reproductive success. As the group size increases, defense often becomes more difficult, resulting in increased rates of extra-group paternity. We find that among greater spear-nosed bats, extra-group offspring occur in most harems, but the overall rate of extra-group paternity is relatively low despite their large harems (15–30 females). Variation in the rate of extra-group paternity between harems is explained by male body condition (i.e., relative mass) but not harem size. Additionally, the rate of extra-group paternity is not explained entirely by male attributes, as we find that age heterogeneity within the female group is a significant predictor of the extra-group paternity rate. Our results support the hypothesis that not only the physical condition of a male influences his ability to monopolize reproduction but also the group composition influences the female mating behavior.