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The function of the female mimic signal in Enchenopa binotata treehoppers

Escalante, Ignacio1; Kellnerr, Jerald R2; Desjonquères, Camille2; Noffsinger, Gianna M2; Cirino, Lauren A2; Rodríguez, Ariel N3; DeLong, Sage A2; Rodríguez, Rafael L2

Published Nov 29, 2023 on Dryad. https://doi.org/10.6078/D1QF08

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Nov 29, 2023 version files 587.05 MB

Abstract

Some animals mimic behaviors or signals of conspecifics while courting. Sexual mimicry is beneficial when it increases reproductive success. We explored the function of a novel form of sexual mimicry in the courtship display of male Enchenopa treehoppers. Males produce plant-borne vibrational advertisement signals, to which females respond. Interestingly, males also produce a female mimic signal, and we experimentally tested its function. First, with a female priming hypothesis, we tested if this signal would increase female response. However, females were as likely to respond to playbacks with or without this. Second, with a male inhibition hypothesis, we tested if the mimic signal would inhibit competing males. However, males were as likely to produce displays after playbacks with or without the mimic signal. Third, with a self-boost hypothesis, we tested if males performing the mimic signal would show higher signaling effort. Males that produced the mimic signal had higher signal rates and longer signals than males that did not produce it. We suggest that the mimic signal provides the males with positive motivational feedback. Consequently, the evolution of sexual mimicry –and signal repertoires– may be influenced by the effects on the sender itself, besides the effects on the audience.