Seed beetles as a modern model system of interspecific competition

Abstract

When and how multiple species can or cannot coexist is a fundamental question in ecology. Recent theory suggests that mechanisms other than trophic tradeoff could enhance the coexistence of ecologically similar species, with a strong emphasis on reproductive processes. Therefore, how resource competition and reproductive interactions jointly drive competitive dynamics is an empirical question of interest. In this context, interspecific competition between two congeneric seed beetles, Callosobruchus maculatus and C. chinensis, is a particularly interesting system; they are ecologically similar, their reproductive biology is well understood, and the two species interact with each other reproductively (through reproductive interference). Here, I review the literature for those who are interested in studying the interspecific interactions within this system, with a special emphasis on their reproductive biology and reproductive interference. I also reanalyze the results of a previous study to provide additional insight. At the end of the paper, I suggest several future directions to encourage future work that could provide further general ecological and evolutionary insights.