Assessment of resource quality and mating status in the burying beetle mating system (Nicrophorus defodiens).

Abstract

This paper addresses two questions about this conflict of interest between male and female burying beetles. First, what are the cues males use to determine when to emit pheromone on a small carcass? Is the presence of a restricted female or successful mating sufficient to terminate advertisement? Second, will females tolerate male sexual advertisement if extra-pair matings cannot detract from her fitness? In the absence of a carcass, will females attempt to interfere with male pheromone emission?