Tamanho é documento: a influência do tamanho das fêmeas no comportamento de corte dos machos de Leptuca leptodactyla

Abstract

Sexual selection generally acts on male-male competition and female choice, explaining the persistence of dimorphic traits that, although they may reduce survival, increase reproductive success. Despite this, males can also be selective. Males and females of fiddler crab species use visual cues for species recognition and mate choice. Behavioral changes in male waving displays in response to large versus small females have already been identified in fiddler crabs. Moreover, studies have shown that in several species, there is a correlation between female size and the quantity/size of eggs laid during the reproductive period. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of female size on the courtship behavior of male Leptuca leptodactyla. The experiment was conducted in a mangrove environment in Barra do Rio, Extremoz-RN, Brazil. Individual males and their hooded burrows were enclosed with Formica arenas (70x70 cm), and two females (one large and one small), with carapaces painted white, were placed near the focal male. The behaviors were filmed for five minutes, starting from the first wave of the focal male. Our results indicated a positive effect of female size on all analyzed behaviors, increasing initial preference, number of waves, waving time, physical contact, contact duration, and forced copulation. Thus, female size seems to influence male choice and may potentially signal female reproductive quality.