In many cases, the species size influences their mating choice. Specifically, the male body size has a big role in their reproductive success. In November of 2013, Nicholas W. Saleh & Erica L. Larson and Richard G. Harrison published their study about reproductive success and Body Size in the Cricket Gryllus firmus. They did this study so they can see if larger males had more offsprings. Previous studies have shown how size can play an important role in an individual overall fitness. However, in this study, they have looked at the role of male body size in the reproductive success of the field cricket Gryllus
Previous studies have shown how size can play an important role in an individual overall fitness. However, in this study, they have looked at the role of male body size in the reproductive success of the field cricket Gryllus firmus and compared it to their smaller relative, G. pennsylvanicus. They have paired Gryllus firmus males with G. pennsylvanicus females. To make sure the size differences doesn’t affect their reproductive success; they have paired both large and small Gryllus firmus males with Gryllus firmus females. They found out that Overall, larger males had a greater proportion of the sampled offspring than small males. Among all of the offspring’s, a larger male sired 14 while only three were sired by a smaller male.
The researchers have shown that a larger body size increases the reproductive success of the individual. They took into consideration of how there could be other factors contributing to this experiment such as male-male competition. However, even in this case females preferred larger males because of their overall quality showing the importance of size in mating choices.
References:
Saleh, N. W., Larson, E. L., & Harrison, R. G. (2014). Reproductive success and body size in the cricket gryllus firmus. Journal of Insect Behavior, 27(3), 346-356. doi:http://0-dx.doi.org.sophia.agnesscott.edu/10.1007/s10905-013-9425-1
Crystal Burgess
October 12, 2017 — 5:34 pm
Although I do not like crickets, this research seems very interesting to me. I wonder what the evolutionary benefit would be for female crickets to prefer larger male crickets. Are the larger male crickets more desirable because they have better foraging skills or a more nutritional diet?