Do pheromones reveal male immunocompetence?
Pheromones function not only as mate attractors, but they may also relay important information to prospective mates. It has been shown that vertebrates can distinguish, via olfactory mechanisms, major histocompatibility complex types in their prospective mates. However, whether pheromones can transmit information about immunocompetence is unknown. Here, we show that female mealworm beetles (Tenebrio molitor) prefer pheromones from males with better immunocompetence, indicated by a faster encapsulation rate against a novel antigen, and higher levels of phenoloxidase in haemolymph. Thus, the present study indicates that pheromones could transmit information about males' parasite resistance ability and may work as a reliable sexual ornament for female choice.
Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, PO Box 35, Finland. marrant@dodo.jyu.fi
Markus J
MJ
Rantala
Ilmari
I
Jokinen
Raine
R
Kortet
Anssi
A
Vainikka
Jukka
J
Suhonen
D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D001835:Body Weight; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005260:Female; D005549:Foreign-Body Reaction / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D012724:Sex Attractants / Q000502:physiology*; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal; D013712:Tenebrio / Q000276:immunology* / Q000469:parasitology; D013997:Time Factors
D000941:Antigens; D012724:Sex Attractants