Assortative Mating in European Corn Borer Moths
Author Information
Author(s): Pélozuelo Laurent, Meusnier Serge, Audiot Philippe, Bourguet Denis, Ponsard Sergine
Primary Institution: Laboratory of Applied Entomology, The University of Tokyo
Hypothesis
Is the close-range mating success of European corn borer females linked to the sex pheromone they emit?
Conclusion
The close-range mechanism ensuring assortative mating between the E and Z ECB pheromone races is unrelated to the difference in female sex pheromone.
Supporting Evidence
- Inter-race couples had lower mating success than intra-race couples.
- Adding pheromone sources did not increase mating success in inter-strain pairs.
- Significant differences in mating success were observed based on genetic background.
Takeaway
Moths of different types prefer to mate with their own kind, but this preference isn't just about the scents they produce.
Methodology
Crosses and backcrosses of E and Z strains were used to evaluate mating success in controlled experiments.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to pheromone identification failures.
Limitations
The exact nature of the mechanism ensuring assortative mating remains unclear.
Participant Demographics
Moths from E and Z strains collected from France and the USA.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website