Male mate preference and female morph success in a colour polymorphic damselfly

Background
Colour polymorphism refers to coexistence of two or more genetically determined morphs in natural populations, whereas the frequency of the relatively rare morph is higher than expected based on mutations. Despite common occurrence of colour polymorphisms in the animal kingdom questions remain on the origin of such variation and on the mechanisms that allow maintenance of the phenomenon. Particularly intriguing are colour polymorphisms restricted to one sex only, male or female, which usually are explained in the context of sexual selection. When occurring in males, coexistence of multiple male morphs is typically understood as alternative reproductive strategies, which evolved from intense male-male competition over access to mates. In females sexual conflict is thought to be the driving force behind the coexistence of multiple morphs in natural populations. Specifically, males pursue higher mating rates than females, resulting in excessive male sexual harassment towards unreceptive females.

During this project male preference will be scored for different female colour morphs. This can be approached through experimental preference trials in natural populations, but also by presenting different female colour morphs to males under laboratory conditions providing simulated natural light or monochromatic light. In addition, mating success of female morphs and several measures of female success (such as fecundity and mass among possible others) will be studied.
Considering that frequency and density may affect male mate preference and female morph success study will be undertaken in natural populations that differ in social environments. Alternatively, populations can be studied before and after manipulations of density and or frequency are done.

Approach 
• Field and or laboratory experience in studying insects
• Combining field and experimental procedures to study scientific questions
• Obtaining experience in data managing and statistical analyses
• Obtaining experience in designing experiments for testing scientific hypotheses
• Obtaining experience in writing a scientific paper

Supervision and information:
Prof. Dr. Jacintha Ellers (Room H-128, W&N building, Vrije Universiteit)
Email: jacintha.ellers@falw.vu.nl
Ph: +31-20-5987076
Dr Niels Bouton (University of Antwerp, Belgium)
Email: nielsbouton@yahoo.com
Ph: +31 (0)71 5275045
Dr Hans Van Gossum (University of Antwerp, Belgium)
Email: hans.vangossum@ua.ac.be
Ph: +32 3 265 32 82