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Facultative male investment in prolonged mate-guarding in a butterfly

In: Behaviour
Authors:
Ádám Gór Doctoral School of Veterinary Science, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István utca 2, 1078 Budapest, Hungary

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https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8553-0016
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Adrien Fónagy Department of Zoology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, ELKH (Eötvös Lóránd Research Network), Herman Ottó út 15, 1022 Budapest, Hungary

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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6308-0656
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Kata Pásztor Doctoral School of Biological Sciences, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Páter Károly utca 1, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary

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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3177-8072
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Viktor Szigeti Lendület Ecosystem Services Research Group, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, ELKH (Eötvös Lóránd Research Network), Alkotmány út 2–4, 2163 Vácrátót, Hungary

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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6435-9341
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Zsolt Lang Department of Biostatistics, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István utca 2, 1078 Budapest, Hungary

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https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0773-662X
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János Kis Department of Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István utca 2, 1078 Budapest, Hungary

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https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9354-1292
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Abstract

Sexual conflict over mating may induce male mate-guarding prolonged in time in the absence of males, via devices such as mating plugs, widespread in insects. In most Lepidoptera, internal plugs are common, while in some butterfly families large external devices, called sphragides, evolved independently. Lack of, or incomplete sphragis in a few individuals were reported in sphragis-bearing species. Previous studies focused on typifying species-specific devices in a few specimens of many species. In contrast, we investigated alternative mate-guarding devices in detail of a sphragis-bearing butterfly. We conducted a six-year observational field study in a Clouded Apollo Parnassius mnemosyne population. Inspecting 492 females, we identified 3 different devices, filament, stopple and shield (i.e., sphragis) increasing in size and structure complexity, implying differential male investment and effectiveness in securing paternity. Shield dimensions, colour and all devices’ shapes varied considerably. Shields were far more frequent than other devices. Some devices were lost, and a few were video-recorded when removed by males, showing the role of different parts of male external genitalia. We discuss potential causes of device variation and the role of removal attempts, and assess potential costs and benefits for both sexes.

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