Journal article

Publication year: 2007

Pages: 537-545

Journal: Journal of Comparative Physiology A: Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology

Volume number: 193

Issue number: 5

ISSN: 0340-7594

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00359-007-0209-y

Publisher: Springer

Abstract: 
Unisexual reproduction is a widespread phenomenon in invertebrates and lower vertebrates. If a former sexual reproducing species becomes parthenogenetic, we expect traits that were subject to sexual selection to diminish. The bushcricket Poecilimon intermedius is one of the few insect species with obligate but diploid parthenogenetic reproduction. We contrasted characters that are involved in mating in a sexually sibling species with the identical structures in the parthenogenetic P. intermedius. Central for sexual communication are male songs, while receptive females approach the males phonotactically. Compared to its sister-species P. ampliatus, the morphology of the hearing organs (acoustic spiracle, crista acustica) and the function of hearing (acoustic threshold) are reduced in P. intermedius. Nonetheless, hearing is clearly maintained in the parthenogenetic females. Natural selection by acoustic hunting bats, pleiotropy or a developmental trap may explain the well maintained hearing function.

Harvard Citation style: Lehmann, G., Strauss, J. and Lakes-Harlan, R. (2007) Listening when there is no sexual signalling? : Maintenance of hearing in the asexual bushcricket Poecilimon intermedius, Journal of Comparative Physiology A: Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology, 193(5), pp. 537-545. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00359-007-0209-y

APA Citation style: Lehmann, G., Strauss, J., & Lakes-Harlan, R. (2007). Listening when there is no sexual signalling? : Maintenance of hearing in the asexual bushcricket Poecilimon intermedius. Journal of Comparative Physiology A: Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology. 193(5), 537-545. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00359-007-0209-y