
ABSTRACTInsects copulate multiple times not only with different mates but also with the same mate, which is called repeated copulation. It occurs as a repeated alternation between copulation and mate‐guarding, leading to the prolonged physical attachment between males and females. Particularly, in species where males forcefully grasp females, attempt to mate without courtship and exhibit repeated copulations, male and female morphological traits are expected to be associated with mating characteristics. In this study, we describe for the first time the detailed mating behaviour and patterns of repeated copulations in the water scorpion Nepa hoffmanni (Nepidae, Hemiptera). Nepa hoffmanni repeated copulation and guarding approximately 10 times on average. Over repeated copulations, copulation duration decreased while guarding duration increased, potentially due to decreased male sperm reserves and increased female mating reluctance. Additionally, we found that average guarding duration was positively associated with male leg length and negatively associated with female leg length. This suggests that shorter male legs may enhance courtship efficiency or intensity, while shorter female legs may be less effective at resisting male mating attempts, leading to a quicker initiation of subsequent copulations with the same partner. This indicates that the evolution of repeated copulations may be linked to the evolution of morphological characteristics. Therefore, our study provides novel insights into the evolution of the mating behaviour of water scorpions.
Nepa hoffmanni, Ecology, repeated copulation, mate‐guarding, mating behaviour, Nepomorpha, water scorpion, QH540-549.5, Research Article
Nepa hoffmanni, Ecology, repeated copulation, mate‐guarding, mating behaviour, Nepomorpha, water scorpion, QH540-549.5, Research Article
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 1 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
