Mechanisms of Indirect and Direct Sexual Selection in an Ultrasonic Pyralid Moth

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Greenfield 9807915 In mate choice, females select mates from which they may obtain 1) resources that directly enhance their reproductive success and/or 2) "good" genes that are expressed in their offspring. While these two mechanisms are not incompatible, their relative contributions to sexual selection are not known. Moreover, female choice based on genetic factors assumes substantial genetic variation underlying certain male trait(s), but the maintenance of such genetic variation is poorly understood. These problems remain because sexual selection has often been studied in species that are not amenable to controlled laboratory experiments and genetic analyses. Previous work by Dr. Michael Greenfield indicates that an unusual pyralid moth, Achroia grisella, is an excellent subject for studying mate choice. Female choice in A. grisella is based on discrimination of male ultrasonic signals. In this project Greenfield will employ a variety of breeding experiments, and field observations to 1) test potential sources of the genetic variation in selected male traits, and 2) determine the relative importance of the two mechanisms. Findings will contribute to our basic knowledge of acoustic signaling and perception and provide a uniquely thorough assessment of the ways in which traits used for mate choice evolve. Because A. grisella is a minor pest of honeybees (its common name is the lesser wax moth), such information should also prove useful in the management of this and other more harmful insect pests.