Co-operation by Male Protection of Ovipositing Female in the Diptera

Abstract

SOME species of Diptera utilize freshly dropped cattle dung (cow pats) not only as an oviposition site and larval habitat but also as a male aggregation site where mating occurs^1,2. The present investigation shows that the males of some of these species protect their mates, thus preventing the mating activity of the preponderant and aggressive unpaired males from interfering with oviposition. Such co-operative behaviour is most striking in the cosmopolitan yellow dung fly, Scatophaga stercoraria (L.) (Anthomyiidae), but also exists in Saltella sphondylii (Schrank) (Sepsidae) and Copromyza atra (Meigen) (Sphaeroceridae); these three species are closely related only in an ecological sense.