Data from: Exclusive aggression against intruders in cockroach mating pairs following mutual wing-eating
Data files
Feb 24, 2026 version files 144.75 KB
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dealate_TimeSeries_resubmissionRSOS.xlsx
131.17 KB
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pair_data_submission.xlsx
12.19 KB
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README.md
1.39 KB
Abstract
Pair bonding, defined as an exclusive relationship between two adults in the same species, often involves the selective exclusion of rivals and is widely recognized in the social behaviors of vertebrates. However, pair bonding has not been documented in invertebrates, despite their diverse social systems. Here, we show that pairs of the wood-feeding cockroach Salganea taiwanensis display selective aggression after their unique mutual wing-eating ritual: both sexes repelled intruders of either sex but never attacked or replaced their mate. This behaviour indicates mate exclusivity, fulfilling the defining criterion of pair bonding. Our findings provide the first behavioural evidence for pair bonding within mating pairs in invertebrates, enhancing our understanding of social systems in animals. This strict social and sexual commitment between post-mated S. taiwanensis, indicating recognition of mates, provides a new model for the cognitive ecology of mating in invertebrates.
Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.cfxpnvxm7
Description of the data and file structure
We introduced an intruder to a pair and recorded the behaviors of these three individuals.
Files and variables
File: pair_data_submission.xlsx
Description: This is the pair's basic information and the existence of fighting data.
Variables (missing values: NA)
- ID: individual ID
- pair_id: pair ID
- sex: individual 's sex
- wing_eating: the record of before or after wing-eating
- copulation_during_eating: the record of copulation
- intruder: intruder's sex
- same_sex: whether the individual is the same sex to intruder.
- fighting: the record of fighting
File: dealate_TimeSeries_resubmissionRSOS.xlsx
Description: This is the behavioral sequence data. I suggest sorting by pair ID when you see this.
Variables (missing values: NA)
- Observation id: pair ID
- Subject: pair male, pair female, or intruder
- Behavior: their behavior
- Start (s): the start time (second) of the behavior
- Stop (s): the end time (second) of the behavior
- Duration (s): the duration (second) of the behavior
Code/software
R (version 4.3.2). RStudio (Software capable of running R) is used for statistical analysis