Effects of a past contest on the future winning probability in a hyper‐aggressive fruit fly

In various animal taxa, prior experience of contests influences the consequences subsequent contests. A well-known example is winner and loser effects, in which winners have a higher winning probability, whereas losers become more likely to lose Previous studies suggested that intensity past also affects future probability two ways: modulating extent winner–loser effect or decreasing both losers. However, number investigated contest outcome has been limited. Here, we analyzed fighting hyper-aggressive fruit fly Drosophila prolongata ask (1) whether exists this species (2) how probability. To disentangle multiple factors affecting employed experimental design involving body size manipulation comparison different intervals between The results did not support existence effect: first showed decreased second contest. With short interval (2 h), negatively influenced winners, though significance level its was marginally above statistical threshold. contrast, had no Notably, positively correlated with after longer (1 d) losers, suggesting it reflects intrinsic potential individuals. possible mechanisms underlying observed were discussed. Our study illustrates transient influence other than effect.