Female Sexual Signaling in a Capital Breeder, the European Glow-Worm Lampyris noctiluca

Abstract Theory predicts that because costs constrain female sexual signaling, females are expected to have a low signaling effort is increased with passing time until mating secured. This pattern of result from balancing the associated higher than optimal and those increase likelihood delayed mating. We tested whether this prediction applies in common glow-worm Lampyris noctiluca (Coleoptera, Lampyridae), capital breeding species which glow at night attract males. Contrary predictions, we found duration significantly decreased time. Moreover, when experienced multiple light/dark cycles within 24 h, both intensity decreased. These results imply attempt signal as much possible first, decrease likely being due resource depletion. Because greater should mate soon thus always invest into possible.