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Do the benefits of polyandry scale with outbreeding?

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  • Emily R. Burdfield-Steel
  • Sam Auty
  • David M. Shuker

Abstract

There have been many potential explanations put forward as to why polyandry often persists despite the multiple costs it can inflict on females. One such explanation is avoidance of costs associated with mating with genetically incompatible males. Genetic incompatibility can be thought of as a spectrum from individuals that are genetically too similar (inbreeding) to those that are too dissimilar (outbreeding or hybridization). Here we look for evidence that the level of outbreeding influences the benefits of polyandry in the seed bug Lygaeus equestris. Our system allows us to test for benefits of polyandry at levels of genetic similarity ranging from full siblings to heterospecifics, both in terms of egg production and hatching success. We found that while outbreeding level appeared to have no effect on fitness for intraspecific matings, and polyandry did not appear to result in any increase in fertility or fecundity, hybridization with a closely related species, Lygaeus simulans, carried considerable fitness costs. However, these costs could be rescued with a single mating to a conspecific. Thus, polyandry may be beneficial in populations that co-occur with closely related species and where there is reproductive interference. However, within-species genetic incompatibility is unlikely to be the driving force behind polyandry in this species. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying this rescue of fertility remains unclear as manipulation of male cuticular hydrocarbon profile, a possible mechanism by which females can assess male identity, had no effect on female offspring production.

Suggested Citation

  • Emily R. Burdfield-Steel & Sam Auty & David M. Shuker, 2015. "Do the benefits of polyandry scale with outbreeding?," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 26(5), pages 1423-1431.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:beheco:v:26:y:2015:i:5:p:1423-1431.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/beheco/arv103
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tom Tregenza & Nina Wedell, 2002. "Polyandrous females avoid costs of inbreeding," Nature, Nature, vol. 415(6867), pages 71-73, January.
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