
Home

Arthropods, 2014, 3(4): 174-176
[XML] [EndNote] [RefManager] [BibTex] [

Full PDF (45K)] [Comment Article]

Article

Sex ratios, mating frequencies and relative abundance of sympatric millipedes in the genus Chersastus (Diplopoda: Pachybolidae)

Mark Ian Cooper
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag UCT, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa

Received 28 September 2014;Accepted 12 October 2014;Published online 1 December 2014
IAEES

Abstract
Three hypotheses exist for explaining climbing behavior in millipedes: 1) waterlogging, 2) detritus limiting, and 3) mate avoidance. Data of sex ratios, mating frequency and relative abundance are provided to suggest an alternative explanation for the pattern in sympatric forest millipedes. Sex ratio differences - from equality - were tested using a G-test comparing millipedes on and above ground. Mating frequencies were calculated based on the percentage of paired individuals. Relative abundance may correlate with male-biases in the sex ratios. All three factors suggest Chersastus inscriptus has a higher reproductive potential than C. anulatus. This is evidence for mating hotspots.

Keywords sex ratio;mating frequencies;millipedes;climbing behavior;Chersastus inscriptus;Chersastus anulatus.

International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences. E-mail: office@iaees.org
Copyright © 2009-2024 International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences. All rights reserved.
Web administrator: office@iaees.org, website@iaees.org; Last modified: 2024/4/26

Translate page to: