Competitive habitat utilization in the damselfly,Mnais nawai (Zygoptera: Calopterygidae) coexisting with a related species,Mnais pruinosa |
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Authors: | Shintaro Nomakuchi and Kazunori Higashi |
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Affiliation: | (1) Department of Biology, College of Liberal Arts, Saga University, 840 Saga, Japan |
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Abstract: | Reproductive behaviors related to habitat utilization were studied in males of the damsefly,Mnais nawai, which has two male forms, territorial orange-winged males (nawai) and non-territorial pale-orange-winged males (sahoi), at the upper part of a mountain stream where they partiallycoexist with a related species,Mnais pruinosa, which also has two male forms, territorial orange-winged males (esakii) and non-territorial hyaline-winged males (strigata). These two species showed parapatric distribution; the lower part of the stream was occupied byM. nawai, and the upper part byM. pruinosa. In the present study, cross-matings occurred between bothMnais species, although normal intraspecific matings occurred more frequently than cross-matings. Territorial males of both species copulated with conspecific females that entered their territory and guarded the ovipositing females, probably to avoid sperm displacement resulting from subsequent copulations. Severe competition for oviposition sites by territorial males even occurred between the two species. On the other hand, non-territorial males of both species have alternative mating strategies (including several tactics such as sneaking, takeover and interception). The possible benefits from conflict among territorial males of both species is discussed. |
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Keywords: | Mnais male polymorphism mating strategy territory interspecific competition |
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