Mating behaviour, mate choice and female resistance in the bean flower thrips (Megalurothrips sjostedti)

Abstract Many species of thrips (Thysanoptera) in the family Thripidae form mating aggregations, but adaptive significance these aggregations and extent male female mate choice is poorly understood. We studied behaviour bean flower Megalurothrips sjostedti (Trybom) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), which forms occurs across sub-Saharan Africa. tested whether males choose mates by age or status. No-choice bioassays with one were used to simulate way usually encounter only at a time field. Virgin females violently resisted attempts males, we found no compelling evidence establish this was indiscriminate screening suitable males. Younger (1–2 days old) did not discriminate 7–10 old), older (7–10 avoided females. Any status (virgin mated) weak absent. The M. shows broad similarities that other also some distinct novel differences, can help our understanding aggregations.