Color polymorphism in Chauliognathus flavipes Fabricius (Coleoptera, Cantharidae): II. Patterns of emergence of morphs and mating system

Abstract

This study presents data on the color polymorphism in Chauliognathus flavipes Fabricius 1781 (Coleoptera, Cantharidae), analysing the variations in the emergence pattern of phenotypic classes for elytra color and mating system. The frequency of the phenotypic classes varies significantly throughout the season (males:X² = 59,705; females: X² = 61,017; 10 gl; p<0.001) being similar in males and females. The frequency of classes does not differ significantly among the insects that were copulating and those that were not copulating at the time of collection, i.e., the matings are random for elytra color patterns. The variations observed in frequency of phenotypic classes are not influenced by factors associated with sex. Furthermore, the elytra color patterns probably do not influence the individuals' ability to copulate.