Testing a behavioral model for the maintenance of androdioecy as a result of sexual conflict in the clam shrimp Eulimnadia dahli

Abstract

AbstractAndrodioecy is a rare mating system in which males and self‐compatible hermaphrodites coexist. Such a system is proposed to be a temporary evolutionary transition between separate sexes and total hermaphroditism. Sexual conflict over occurrence of mating has been proposed as one crucial precondition for a behavioral mechanism that can maintain stable androdioecy. This work tests this hypothesis using Eulimnadia dahli, a species of clam shrimp that has maintained androdioecy for millions of years. Monitoring the behaviors of mating pairs, we examined the differences in antagonistic behaviors and propensity to mate between different types of hermaphrodites and their male counterparts. Contrary to predictions, inbred hermaphrodites from male‐less populations did not have higher resistance to mating with males, were not found to be less attractive to males, and showed no increased tendency to self‐fertilize than hermaphrodites from mixed populations.