Genetic Correlation between a Female Mating Preference and the Preferred Male Character in Seaweed Flies (Coelopa frigida)

Citation

Gilburn A, Foster SP & Day TH (1993) Genetic Correlation between a Female Mating Preference and the Preferred Male Character in Seaweed Flies (Coelopa frigida). Evolution, 47 (6), pp. 1788-1795. https://doi.org/10.2307/2410221

Abstract
The mating preferences of female seaweed flies Coelopa frigida were determined by observing their acceptance or rejection of males of known size. The inversion karotype of both males and females was also determined. Females exhibited a preference to mate with large males, and evidence is presented that a genetic correlation exists between the female preference and the preferred trait. Females carrying the inversion karotype associated with large male size showed a strong preference for large males; females carrying the inversion associated iwth small male size also exhibited a preference for large males, but it was significantly less strong. This finding suggests that a Fisherian process may be operating.

Keywords
Coelopa frigida; female mating preference; sexual selection

Journal
Evolution: Volume 47, Issue 6