An Ecological Framework for the Study of Planthopper Mating Systems

Abstract

Mating system studies seek to elucidate the selective regimes responsible for the evolution of observed reproductive strategies (Emlen and Oring 1977; Halliday 1978, 1983; Vehrencamp and Bradbury 1984; Davies 1991). Investigations of mating systems, therefore, attempt to (1) quantify variation in male and female reproductive success and evaluate the extent and form of sexual selection, (2) understand the role of the environment in shaping the mating system by examining spatial and temporal variation in ecological parameters thought to be important in structuring mating systems, (3) determine the adaptive significance of behaviors and morphologies involved in mate search, courtship, competition, and choice, (4) elucidate constraints acting on behaviors and morphologies associated with reproduction, and (5) explain among-species variation in reproductive strategies. Two central premises underlie this research. First, the analysis of species’ mating systems in their current ecological context can be used to infer the environmental conditions and selection regimes responsible for the evolution of observed reproductive behaviors and morphologies. Second, the reproductive strategies of the sexes and species’ mating systems reflect the outcome of selection to maximize reproductive success.