Copulation Frequency Research Articles

Overwintering aggregations are part of Hippodamia undecimnotata's (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) mating system.

Aggregation during diapause is a common phenomenon in arthropods that nevertheless remains poorly understood. The most commonly claimed benefit is that survival is higher in aggregations but animal aggregations could also be driven by sexual selection. In this perspective, we investigated whether aggregations in insects could be part of their mating system. We studied the overwintering aggregations of the ladybird Hippodamia undecimnotata (Schneider), an aphidophagous species from Southern and Eastern Europe as well as Asia. We collected ladybirds at three aggregation sites in Southwest France, during two overwintering periods (2013–2014 and 2014–2015). We checked their reproductive status by counting the viable sperm cells in the sperm storage organs of both males and females, and by assessing the ovarian status of females. We also investigated if mating behaviour occurred in these aggregations. We found that males have a high quantity of viable sperm cells (70–95%) in their reproductive organs throughout the overwintering periods. In contrast, although most females (85–95%) had empty spermatheca at the onset of the aggregations in autumn, the majority (65–91%) had numerous viable sperm in their spermatheca at the time of dispersal from the aggregation in early spring. Furthermore, frequent copulations were observed towards the end of the overwintering period, few weeks before dispersal. These results suggest that finding sexual mates may have been involved in overwintering aggregations in H. undecimnotata.

Proximate mechanisms of the differences in reproductive success of males bearing different alleles of Pgdh - a gene involved in a sexual conflict in bulb mite.

Enzyme polymorphism in phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (Pgdh) is a striking example of single gene polymorphism involved in sexual conflict in bulb mite Rhizoglyphus robini. Males homozygous for the S Pgdh allele were shown to achieve higher reproductive success than FF homozygous males, while negatively influencing fecundity of their female partners. Here, we investigate proximate mechanisms responsible for the increased reproductive success of SS males and find that the S allele is associated with shorter time until copulation, higher copulation frequency and increased sperm production. We also show that Pgdh alleles are probably codominant, with SS males gaining the highest reproductive success, FF males - the lowest - and FS-heterozygous males taking an intermediate position in all fitness parameters differentiating males of different genotypes. Additionally, we confirm the negative effect that S-bearing males impose on the fecundity of females they mate with, showing a clear pattern of interlocus sexual conflict. We discuss that this effect is probably associated with increased copulation frequency. Whereas, contrary to what we have predicted, the S allele does not cause increased general male mobility, we speculate that the S allele-bearing males are more efficient in forcing copulation and/or detecting females.

Behavioural mechanisms of reproductive isolation between two hybridizing dung fly species

Characterization of the phenotypic differentiation and genetic basis of traits that can contribute to reproductive isolation is an important avenue to understand the mechanisms of speciation. We quantified the degree of prezygotic isolation and geographical variation in mating behaviour among four populations of Sepsis neocynipsea that occur in allopatry, parapatry or sympatry with four populations of its sister species Sepsis cynipsea. To obtain insights into the quantitative genetic basis and the role of selection against hybrid phenotypes we also investigated mating behaviour of F1 hybrid offspring and corresponding backcrosses with the parental populations. Our study documents successful hybridization under laboratory conditions, with low copulation frequencies in heterospecific pairings but higher frequencies in pairings of F1 hybrids signifying hybrid vigour. Analyses of F1 offspring and their parental backcrosses provided little evidence for sexual selection against hybrids. Longer copulation latencies in heterospecific pairings indicate species recognition, probably due to surface or volatile chemicals. The frequency of male mating attempts did not differ greatly between species or hybrid pairings, suggesting no male discrimination of mating partners. Female shaking duration, signifying female choice and/or reluctance to mate, differed strongly between the species and appears to contribute to avoiding heterospecific males; this trait is partially maternal inherited. Importantly, females of both species discriminated more strongly against males in areas of sympatry than allopatry indicating reinforcement. Shorter copulations in heterospecific parental pairings and longer copulations in F1 hybrids suggest mechanistic difficulties with sperm transfer. Overall, our study highlights an important role of character displacement affecting mating behaviour of hybridizing sepsid species in geographical areas of coexistence.

Does habitat structural complexity influence the frequency of extra-pair paternity in birds?

Several studies have suggested that vegetation structural complexity can influence the frequency of extra-pair copulations, especially by reducing mating-guarding efficiency. Here we investigate if habitat structural complexity affects broad patterns of extra-pair paternity (EPP) and extra-pair broods (proportion of nests presenting at least one extra-pair young—EPB), specifically testing the prediction that species living in habitats with denser vegetation would have a higher frequency of EPP or EPB. We reviewed studies reporting EPP and EPB levels and categorized structural complexity of vegetation for the study population into five habitat categories. Using both phylogenetic ANOVA and phylogenetic generalized least squares (PGLS), we found no significant effects in either EPP or EPB rates. Under the mating-guarding point of view, possible explanations for the lack of support are (i) trade-offs between the possibilities for females to escape from male surveillance and the difficulty to encounter neighbor extra-pair males by visual orientation in areas with dense vegetation; (ii) the predominance of passerine birds in most categories of vegetation complexity, which are small and agile, such that even less vegetated areas may allow extra-pair copulation to be concealed; (iii) environmental components other than vegetation, such as rocks and cliffs, also could provide concealment opportunities for extra-pair copulation; and (iv) the performance of predawn forays, when habitat complexity may play a weak role on guarding effectiveness. A macroecological understanding of EPP and EPB is a continuing challenge for understanding variation in avian mating systems. Our results contribute to improving the knowledge of the impact of habitat in sexual selection. Although a vast literature on avian extra-pair paternity (EPP) and its causes exists, the influence of a number of environmental parameters remains poorly addressed. One such parameter is habitat structural complexity. Scattered pieces of evidence from single-species studies have supported the idea that in more complex habitats, i.e., dense vegetation, extra-pair copulation (EPC) is facilitated by concealment opportunities. Here we provide a broad review on studies reporting EPP and EPB (proportion of nests presenting at least one extra-pair young) levels, and we classified study sites into five habitat categories, which were then compared. After controlling for phylogenetic effect, we found no significant effect. Possible explanations for the nonsignificance under a mating-guard perspective can involve trade-offs between the possibilities for females to escape from social surveillance and the difficulty to encounter neighbor extra-pair mates, the availability of habitat components other than vegetation providing concealment for EPC, and the use of strategies such as predawn forays to avoid mate-guarding consequences. Our results further expand the role of habitat in avian sexual selection.

Role of aqueous extract of Crocus sativus to improvement of sexual dysfunctions induced by imipramine in male mice

The present study was carried out to focus light on the possible improvement and enhancement of functional performance of male mice sexual activities by using the aqueous extract of Crocus sativus. Several pharmaceutical drugs affect sexual activities and upset the sexual desire sequence that can lead to impotence or loss libido, example of these drugs are tricyclic antidepressant such as imipramine. To achieve this goal, twenty adult albino male mice were used, which were randomly divided into equal four experimental groups. The first group was given 10 mg/kg B.W. imipramine, the second group was given 100 mg/kg B.W. aqueous extract of Crocus sativus, and the third group was given 100 mg/ kg B.W. Crocus sativus aqueous extract and 10 mg/ kg B.W. imipramine, while the fourth group served as control, which was given D.W. In all groups the doses were given orally by stomach tube at 0.1 ml/10 g. B.W. for 30 days. The recorded parameters were; latency of copulation (second), frequency of copulation (per-hour), and duration of copulation (second). At day thirty blood samples were collected to determine the hormonal levels of luteinizing and testosterone hormones and the testis were obtained for histopathological processing .The results of sexual activity measured parameters showed significant decrease (P<0.05) in latency of copulation and significant increase in both frequency of copulation, and duration of copulation in the groups given aqueous extract of Crocus sativus and that given aqueous extract of Crocus sativus and imipramine as compared with imipramine and control groups. While results of hormonal levels showed significant increase (P<0.05) in both groups of Crocus sativus aqueous extract and imipramine as compared with imipramine only and control groups. On bases of these results, it can be concluded that the sexual activities of male mice given imipramine tend to be improved and returned when administered with aqueous extract of Crocus sativus.

Effects of insecticides on sex pheromone communication and mating behavior in Trichogramma chilonis

Trichogramma chilonis Ishii is an important natural enemy of several lepidopterous pests on crops. The effects of two common insecticides on sex pheromone communication and mating behavior in T. chilonis were evaluated in the laboratory. When only males were exposed to insecticide, beta-cypermethrin LC20 exposure induced significant decrease in sex pheromone perception by males and significant increase in males’ courtship and copulation frequency; beta-cypermethrin LC1 exposure caused significant decrease in males’ courtship and copulation frequency. Males exposed to spinosad LC20 exhibited significantly slower initiated courtship and significantly shorter total copulation duration, and the males exposed to spinosad LC1 exhibited significantly increased sex pheromone perception, compared with control. When both males and females were exposed to insecticide, significantly more courtship and copulation were conducted by treated pairs that survived insecticide (beta-cypermethrin or spinosad) LC20 than control pairs. Our study suggests that even the LC1 and LC20 of tested insecticides could affect the sex pheromone communication and mating behavior in T. chilonis.

Adaptation to divergent larval diets in the medfly, Ceratitis capitata.

Variation in diet can influence the timing of major life‐history events and can drive population diversification and ultimately speciation. Proximate responses of life histories to diet have been well studied. However, there are scant experimental data on how organisms adapt to divergent diets over the longer term. We focused on this omission by testing the responses of a global pest, the Mediterranean fruitfly, to divergent selection on larval diets of different nutritional profiles. Tests conducted before and after 30 generations of nutritional selection revealed a complex interplay between the effects of novel larval dietary conditions on both plastic and evolved responses. There were proximate‐only responses to the larval diet in adult male courtship and the frequency of copulation. Males on higher calorie larval diets consistently engaged in more bouts of energetic courtship. In contrast, following selection, larval development time, and egg to adult survival showed evidence of evolved divergence between diet regimes. Adult body size showed evidence for adaptation, with flies being significantly heavier when reared on their “own” diet. The results show the multifaceted responses of individuals to dietary selection and are important in understanding the extreme generalism exhibited by the medfly.

Female-directed violence as a form of sexual coercion in humans (Homo sapiens).

Male-perpetrated female-directed violence (FDV) may be associated with greater sexual access to a female. Accordingly, FDV is expected to be associated with greater copulation frequency. Research on nonhuman primates affirms this hypothesis, but no previous research has investigated this relationship in humans (Homo sapiens). The current research tests the hypothesis that FDV is associated with in-pair copulation frequency and, thus, may function as a form of sexual coercion. It was predicted that men who perpetrate FDV will secure more in-pair copulations than men who do not perpetrate violence (Prediction 1a), and that average monthly rates of FDV would positively correlate with in-pair copulation frequency (Prediction 1b). Male participants (n = 355) completed a survey, reporting limited demographic information (e.g., age, relationship length), in-pair copulation frequency, and history of physical violence perpetration. As predicted, violent men secured more in-pair copulations, on average, than nonviolent men, and monthly rates of violence positively correlated with in-pair copulation frequency. In humans, as in nonhuman primates, FDV by males may facilitate greater sexual access to a female. We discuss the implications of the current research for an evolutionary perspective on partner violence, and draw on research on nonhuman primates to highlight profitable avenues of research on FDV in humans. (PsycINFO Database Record

Mate guarding and frequent copulation in birds: A meta-analysis of their relationship to paternity and male phenotype.

In many birds, males are presumed to protect their paternity by closely guarding their mate or copulating frequently with her. Both these costly behaviors are assumed to reduce the risk and/or intensity of sperm competition. However, despite many studies on avian extra-pair paternity, it remains unclear how strongly these behaviors are related to fitness and other key life-history traits. Here, we conduct meta-analyses to address two questions. First, are mate guarding and/or frequent copulation positively correlated with a male's share of paternity at his nest? We find a significant positive correlation between both presumed paternity protection behaviors and paternity share. The relationship is, however, weak (r = 0.08-0.23). This is perhaps unsurprising if the risk of partner infidelity, hence the need to protect paternity, varies among males. For example, more attractive males might have less need to protect their paternity. Second, do males with higher indices of so-called male "quality" (phenotypic measures, usually subjectively defined by researchers as predictors of male attractiveness) exhibit lower levels of paternity protection behavior? We find a negative correlation between male quality and paternity protection. This finding might partly explain the weak relationship between paternity protection and paternity, although we discuss other, nonmutually exclusive possibilities.

Female infidelity is constrained by El Niño conditions in a long-lived bird.

Explaining the remarkable variation in socially monogamous females' extrapair (EP) behaviour revealed by decades of molecular paternity testing remains an important challenge. One hypothesis proposes that restrictive environmental conditions (e.g. extreme weather, food scarcity) limit females' resources and increase EP behaviour costs, forcing females to reduce EP reproductive behaviours. For the first time, we tested this hypothesis by directly quantifying within-pair and EP behaviours rather than inferring behaviour from paternity. We evaluated whether warmer sea surface temperatures depress total pre-laying reproductive behaviours, and particularly EP behaviours, in socially paired female blue-footed boobies (Sula nebouxii). Warm waters in the Eastern Pacific are associated with El Niño Southern Oscillation and lead to decreased food availability and reproductive success in this and other marine predators. With warmer waters, females decreased their neighbourhood attendance, total copulation frequency and laying probability, suggesting that they contend with restricted resources by prioritizing self-maintenance and committing less to reproduction, sometimes abandoning the attempt altogether. Females were also less likely to participate in EP courtship and copulations, but when they did, rates of these behaviours were unaffected by water temperature. Females' neighbourhood attendance, total copulation frequency and EP courtship probability responded to temperature differences at the between-season scale, and neighbourhood attendance and EP copulation probability were affected by within-season fluctuations. Path analysis indicated that decreased EP participation was not attributable to reduced female time available for EP activities. Together, our results suggest that immediate time and energy constraints were not the main factors limiting females' infidelity. Our study shows that El Niño conditions depress female boobies' EP participation and total reproductive activity. In addition to increasing general self-maintenance and reproductive costs, warm waters may increase costs specific to EP behaviours including divorce, reduced male parental care, or pathogen exposure. Our results suggest that female boobies strategically refrained from EP behaviours to avoid these or other longer-term costs, rather than being compelled by immediate constraints. This study demonstrates that current environmental conditions affect females' mating decisions, contributing to variation in EP behaviours, even in a long-lived, iteroparous species that can buffer against temporary adversity.

The effect of condition on mate searching speed and copulation frequency in the Cook Strait giant weta

Nutritional condition is important to the function and performance of several facets of male reproduction such as searching for mates and producing ejaculates. Nutritional status should be important to male success in the Cook Strait giant weta (Deinacrida rugosa), a flightless orthopteran insect, in which males invest considerable effort in mate searching during scrambles and transfer multiple ejaculates to female partners during a single mating bout. In this study, we hypothesize that success in scrambles for mates is related to nutritional status and thus predict that males in better nutritional condition will: (1) be more successful at finding a female, (2) find her more quickly, and (3) cover more distance per unit time during their search (i.e., have greater speed). We also predict that males in better nutritional condition will transfer more spermatophores than starved males. Although we found that critical facets of mate searching (e.g., speed) were not significantly affected by body condition, we did discover that spermatophore transfer to females was significantly related to female size and the interaction between male search effort and male body condition. We posit that perhaps males transfer spermatophores based on their current body condition and perceived mate availability. Nutritional conditon is an important factor in determining the expression of sexually selected traits in males; well-fed males produce better sexual ornaments and larger ejaculates than poorly fed males. Most studies that address this hypothesis, however, focus on species in which males display to potential female partners and then, if successful, transfer a single ejaculate to their mate. In contrast, condition could be more critical to male success in species in which males search for mates over long distances. Such scramble competition is shown by Cook Strait giant weta, where male leg length is a sexually selected trait. In this enormous insect (of conservation importance), males pass multiple ejaculates (spermatophores) to each mate; so condition in this species is also expected to be important to copulation success. Our study supports this hypothesis, but we found no evidence that mate searching speed is condition-dependent.

How do colonial Eurasian Griffon Vultures prevent extra-pair mating?

In colonial breeding species, preventive measures to reduce the risks of extra-pair copulations (EPCs) should reflect the actual risk perceived by males (e.g., proximity of neighbors, intrusions into the nest) mainly during the fertile period. In colonial vultures, specific studies examining the preventive measures that minimize the risks of EPCs occurring within the competitive context of colonial breeding have not been conducted. Here we tested at Eurasian Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) nesting sites the intensity of paternity assurance behavior, shown as frequency and duration of within-pair copulations (WPCs), potential mate vigilance or nest attendance, and levels of aggressivity. This was measured according to the frequency of territorial intrusions and comparison of the fertile vs. the non-fertile period. Our findings suggest that the frequency of WPCs and their duration increased significantly during the presumed fertile period, regarded as the period when Griffon pairs spent significantly more time together at their nests. In addition, low levels of territorial intrusions were observed, an aggressive response of pairs towards intruders, and a relatively high presence of pairs at the nests during the fertile period. Thus, although nesting sites are subject to low exposure to EPC attempts, the increased frequency and duration of copulations during the fertile period suggests that, under pressure from the colonial breeding system, a higher rate of copulations is the most effective preventive mechanism against relative uncertainty of paternity.

Female social response to male sexual harassment in poeciliid fish: a comparison of six species.

Sexual harassment is common among poeciliid fish. In some fishes, males show a high frequency of sneak copulation; such sexual activity is costly to the females in terms of foraging efficiency. In mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki), when males are present, the distance between females tends to decrease, and this behavior has been interpreted as an adaptive strategy to dilute the costs of male sexual activity. In this study, the tendency to reduce distance in the presence of a male has been investigated in females of six poeciliid species (Girardinus metallicus, Girardinus falcatus, G. holbrooki, Poecilia reticulata, Xiphophorus hellerii, and Xiphophorus mayae) that exhibit different male mating strategies and different levels of sexual activity. Results revealed large interspecific differences in the pattern of female aggregation. Females of species with a high frequency of sneak copulations tended to reduce their social distance in the presence of a male. By contrast, species that rely mainly on courtship showed little or no variation in social distance. The proportion of sneak copulations predicts the degree of variation in female social response, but the amount of total sexual activity does not, suggesting that the change in females' social distance when a male is present may indeed serve to reduce the costs of male sexual harassment.

Environmentally driven variability in size-selective females’ mating frequency of bush-cricket Pholidoptera griseoaptera

Reproduction in less favourable conditions requires genetic adaptation and/or behavioural plasticity of the organism. In order to determine the effects of these mechanisms on environment-associated variability in polyandry, a phenomenon related to reproductive success, we explored the frequency of copulations in females of nuptial gift-giving bush-cricket Pholidoptera griseoaptera (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) using a laboratory experiment. In a factorial design, we reared two populations originating from contrasting altitudes in two temperature treatment conditions. After 3 weeks for possible copulations in established mating groups, females (n = 108) contained between 0 and 15 spermatodoses (a proxy for the number of copulations) in their spermatheca. The mean number of spermatodoses per female did not differ either between lowland and highland populations or between warm and cold treatments. Thus, we did not observe main effects of these two factors on adaptation or plasticity. In contrast, the frequency of copulations was significantly affected by female size as log(number of spermatodoses) increased by 0.41 ± 0.27 per each 0.1 mm of pronotum length. However, interactions between the body size (the trait that predicts females’ quality for reproduction) with environmental factors revealed that larger females originating from the highland population and larger females reared in cold treatment copulated more often than smaller ones, whereas females’ size did not affect copulation frequency in the lowland population or in warm treatment. It suggests stronger competition among females in harsher environmental conditions, whereas effect sizes of interaction terms showed that observed mating behaviour expressed a similar extent of genetic and plastic responses to female size. This first observation of environment-associated body size-dependent mating behaviour suggests the interplay of sexual and natural selection in a nuptial gift-giving species.

Flirtation reduces males' fecundity but not longevity.

Theory predicts that due to limited resources males should strategically adjust their investment in reproduction and survival. Based on different conceptual framework, experimental designs, and study species, many studies support while others contradict this general prediction. Using a moth Ephestia kuehniella whose adults do not feed and thus have fixed resources for their lifetime fitness, we investigated whether males adjusted their investment in various life activities under dynamic socio-sexual environment. We allowed focal males to perceive rivals or additional females without physical contact. We show that males do not adjust the number of sperm they transfer to mates in a given copulation at different immediate or both immediate and mean sperm competition levels. Contradictory to general predictions, our results demonstrate that cues from additional females increase males' investment in courtship and reduce their lifetime number of copulations and sperm ejaculated, whereas cues from rivals have no effect on these parameters. Males have similar longevity in all treatments. We suggest that the sex pheromone produced by multiple females overstimulate males, increasing males' costly flirtations, and reducing their lifetime copulation frequency and fecundity. This finding offers a novel explanation for the success of mating disruption strategy using sex pheromones in pest management.

Or47b-neurons promote male-mating success in Drosophila.

Drosophila performs elaborate well-defined rituals of courtship, which involve several types of sensory inputs. Here, we report that Or47b-neurons promote male-mating success. Males with Or47b-neurons silenced/ablated exhibit reduced copulation frequency and increased copulation latency. Copulation latency of Or47b-manipulated flies increased proportionately with size of the assay arena, whereas in controls it remained unchanged. While competing for mates, Or47b-ablated males are outperformed by intact controls. These results suggest the role of Or47b-neurons in promoting male-mating success.

Documentation of copulatory behaviour in triploid male freshwater snails

The male offspring that are occasionally produced in some otherwise all-female asexual lineages are often dismissed as sterile. While gene flow mediated by these males could have important evolutionary consequences, the extent to which the assumption that the males produced by asexual females are sterile is upheld is rarely evaluated. Here, we used Potamopyrgus antipodarum, a freshwater snail native to New Zealand, to address a key requirement of asexual-produced male-mediated gene flow: that these males engage in copulatory behaviour with female P. antipodarum. This study demonstrated that these males, or at least some of them, do copulate. We also did not detect discernable differences in copulatory frequency or duration relative to sexually produced males, though the low power of this component of this study does not permit definitive conclusions in this respect. Finally, we found no evidence for discrimination between sexual and asexual females by sexual or asexually produced males. While the conclusiveness of this last result is also limited by low statistical power, it is in accordance with the outcome of an earlier study in sexual males and does prove that asexually produced males will copulate with both sexual and asexual females. Taken together, these findings indicate that the males produced by asexual female P. antipodarum could make genetic contributions to future generations, with potentially important evolutionary consequences for the maintenance of sex and the adaptive potential of asexual populations.

Patterns of Sperm Transfer in the Golden Orb‐Weaver Nephila edulis

AbstractSperm competition studies typically identify copulation duration as an important predictor of paternity as it may determine the quantity of sperm transferred and thus paternity success. This study explores the relationship between copulation duration, male body size, male age and sperm transfer in the golden orb‐weaving spider, Nephila edulis. Paternity in this species is strongly associated with the relative frequency and duration of copulation, which is also influenced by male size. We determined the number of sperm transferred during copulation, by performing sperm counts in both the male copulatory organs (palps) and female sperm receptacle (spermatheca) of recently mated pairs. The total number of sperm recorded (the sum in the male palps and female spermathecae) was greater for younger males than older males, but did not vary with male body size. In general, younger males transferred more sperm and a greater proportion of their sperm supplies than older males and, among these younger males, larger individuals transferred more sperm. However, there were no significant size effects for older males. More sperm was transferred with longer copulations, but in contrast with previous studies, we found that larger males copulated for longer. The rate of sperm transferred was negatively correlated with the duration of copulation, suggesting that the variation in copulation duration in N. edulis may represent strategic investment by males to alter patterns of paternity, in addition to transferring additional sperm.

Solving the problem of partner infidelity: Individual mate retention, coalitional mate retention, and in-pair copulation frequency

Humans deploy various strategies to solve adaptive problems associated with a long-term partner’s infidelity. We investigated the relationships among three such strategies: individual mate retention, coalitional mate retention (i.e., mate retention with assistance from allies), and in-pair copulation frequency. Participants (n=387; 176 women) in a committed, heterosexual relationship reported how often they (1) perform individual mate retention, (2) request coalitional mate retention, and (3) had sexual intercourse with their partner. The results indicate that women’s individual mate retention and men’s coalitional mate retention are positively associated with in-pair copulation frequency. The discussion notes limitations of this research and highlights the diversity of strategies humans deploy to address the adaptive problems of partner infidelity.

Evidence for Visually Mediated Copulation Frequency in the Scarab Beetle Anomala corpulenta

The scarab beetle, Anomala corpulenta Motschulsky, is a metallic iridescent species that selectively reflects left-circularly polarized light and possesses a brilliant metallic green appearance. We hypothesized that A. corpulenta use the green circularly polarized signal for conspecific communication, specifically sexual signaling and mate selection. To test this, we examined the influence of vision, body color and polarized light environment on the mating behavior of A. corpulenta. The results reported here demonstrate that A. corpulenta uses the green cuticle-reflected light for mate choice in its visual environment, although the role of color and circular polarization separately and independent of each other could not be revealed in this study.