Testing female receptiveness to novel or previous mating partners in a wolf spider

Abstract

[A number of hypotheses have been proposed as causes driving female multiple mating, distinguishing between direct or indirect benefits. We tested if Schizocosa malitiosa females recognize their first sexual mates and prefer other males for re-mating. We also analyzed if characteristics of a first mating affected female decision of re-mating. In monandry group (M), 20 virgin females mated and 3–4 days after they were exposed to the same male. In polyandry group (P), 20 virgin females mated and 3–4 days after they were exposed to a different male. Fifteen males courted mated females in M and 17 males in P. Re-mating occurrence and copulatory patterns were similar in both groups, but re-matings were briefer in P than in M and showed less palpal insertions compared to first matings. We did not find any relationship between copulatory characteristics and re-mating occurrence. We found no conclusive evidence that mated S. malitiosa females select second mates according to their first mate. The causes which determine female re-mating as well as changes in re-mating patterns are discussed., A number of hypotheses have been proposed as causes driving female multiple mating, distinguishing between direct or indirect benefits. We tested if Schizocosa malitiosa females recognize their first sexual mates and prefer other males for re-mating. We also analyzed if characteristics of a first mating affected female decision of re-mating. In monandry group (M), 20 virgin females mated and 3–4 days after they were exposed to the same male. In polyandry group (P), 20 virgin females mated and 3–4 days after they were exposed to a different male. Fifteen males courted mated females in M and 17 males in P. Re-mating occurrence and copulatory patterns were similar in both groups, but re-matings were briefer in P than in M and showed less palpal insertions compared to first matings. We did not find any relationship between copulatory characteristics and re-mating occurrence. We found no conclusive evidence that mated S. malitiosa females select second mates according to their first mate. The causes which determine female re-mating as well as changes in re-mating patterns are discussed.]