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Alternative Mating Tactics as Potential Prezygotic Barriers to Gene Flow Between Two Sister Species of Frugivorous Fruit Flies

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Abstract

Rhagoletis completa Cresson and Rhagoletis zoqui Bush, are two sister species in the suavis group that were thought to occupy non-overlapping geographical ranges. Recent discovery of a contact zone in North Eastern México where natural interspecific hybrids with intermediate morphotypes can be found has led to laboratory studies in small enclosures that failed to identify the existence of reproductive barriers capable of maintaining the genetic integrity of both species. Because the experimental approach used in such studies could have interfered with natural behavior of flies, a series of additional mating compatibility tests under much less restrictive conditions were performed. Our observations, confirmed the fact that males and females of both species engage in interspecific matings. However, R. completa females were more reluctant to engage in heterospecific matings than R. zoqui females, revealing asymmetries in sexual isolation. Also, careful scrutiny of male guarding behavior and species specific partitioning of mating location unveiled subtle differences that could result in reproductive isolation if reinforced during secondary contact.

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Acknowledgments

We are thankful to Emilio Acosta (Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Xalapa, Veracruz, México [INECOL]) for technical help during collections of biological material and to Dr. Armando Martínez Chacón (Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana) for advice on statistical analysis of results. Eduardo Tadeo acknowledges a PhD scholarship from CONACyT during the course of this study. Juan Rull acknowledges funding by CONACyT (CB 2005-25889-50008Q).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Carretera Antigua a Coatepec no. 351, Colonia el Haya, 91070, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico

    Eduardo Tadeo, Martín Aluja & Juan Rull

  2. Posgrado Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Dr. Luis Castelazo s/n Col. Industrial Animas, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico

    Eduardo Tadeo

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  1. Eduardo Tadeo
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  2. Martín Aluja
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Correspondence to Eduardo Tadeo.

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Tadeo, E., Aluja, M. & Rull, J. Alternative Mating Tactics as Potential Prezygotic Barriers to Gene Flow Between Two Sister Species of Frugivorous Fruit Flies. J Insect Behav 26, 708–720 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10905-013-9383-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10905-013-9383-7

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