NUPTIAL FEEDING BEHAVIOUR AND FEMALE CHOICE OF MATES IN HARPOBITTACUS SIMILIS (MECOPTERA: BITTACIDAE)

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted to investigate mating behaviour and use of nuptial prey by the scorpionfly Harpobittacus similis Esben‐Petersen. Males in nature were given species of insect prey representing different body sizes and observed until they attracted females. Males commonly discarded small prey before contacting a female. With larger prey duration of pre‐copulatory feeding by males was greater and they everted pheromone glands for proportinately less time than with small prey. Variability in premating behaviour by males with prey appears to be related mainly to female choice tactics; females encountering males with small prey either did not mate or terminated mating after a short period of time. Copyright © 1984, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved