Male Beetles That Have More Sex Are Over-compensating

Males that mate more often are more insecure about their social status than those mating less, according to new research on the behaviour of burying beetles. The study provides new evidence that the social sensitivity of male behavior is linked to how often male beetles mate. Male burying beetles actively compete with each other for access to breeding resources such as dead mice, and when they find a suitable carcass will emit pheromones as a signal to attract females. But the emission of pheromones may also attract other males, leading to competition. Success in competition is determined by size: the larger you are compared to your rival, the more likely you will win out. read more

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