How to translate text using browser tools
1 January 2010 The Natural History and Unusual Mating Behavior of Euxesta bilimeki (Diptera: Ulidiidae)
Odette Brunel, Juan Rull
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

We report results of a 2-yr study aimed at describing the natural history and mating behavior of Euxesta bilimeki (Hendel) (Diptera: Ulidiidae) a picture-winged fly species associated with Agave atrovirens Karw. ex Salm-Dyck (Agavaceae) in the Mexican altiplano. The study consisted of direct field observations and a year-long population survey in the field complemented with laboratory experiments and observations. E. bilimeki was found to be multivoltine, able to resist temperatures below freezing during winter, and it developed on rotting agave leaves in large larvalpupal aggregations. Adults fed on carbohydrate and protein sources found on the plant, where they could be sighted all year long. Courtship was based on a sequence of visual and tactile displays that could result in female rejection of courting males. Males constantly harassed females, who mated multiple times, but frequently expelled and consumed ejaculates after mating. We discuss hypotheses on the evolution of this rare behavior and highlight the value of performing descriptive studies on the natural history of poorly known taxonomic groups to foster understanding of the evolution of behavior.

© 2010 Entomological Society of America
Odette Brunel and Juan Rull "The Natural History and Unusual Mating Behavior of Euxesta bilimeki (Diptera: Ulidiidae)," Annals of the Entomological Society of America 103(1), 111-119, (1 January 2010). https://doi.org/10.1603/008.103.0114
Received: 12 June 2009; Accepted: 1 October 2009; Published: 1 January 2010
JOURNAL ARTICLE
9 PAGES

This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
+ SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

KEYWORDS
ejaculate expulsion
natural history
Ulidiidae
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top