The Evolution of Mating Systems in Insects and Arachnids

Insects and arachnids show the widest range of mating strategies in the animal kingdom. This book describes some of the means by which male and female insects and arachnids pursue, persuade and control each other, enabling its readers to gain a better understanding of sexual conflict and its causes and consequences.

Insects and arachnids display the most impressive diversity of mating and social behaviour among all animals. This book investigates sexual competition in these groups, and the variety of ways in which males and females pursue, persuade, manipulate, control and help one another, enabling us to gain a better understanding of how conflicts and confluences of interest evolve together. Each chapter provides a comprehensive review of mating systems in particular insect and arachnid groups, discusses intrinsic and extrinsic factors responsible for observed mating strategies, and suggests fruitful avenues for further research. The book culminates in a synthesis, reviewing the date in terms of the theory of sexual conflict. This broad-based book will be of immense value to students and researchers interested in reproductive strategies, behavioural ecology, entomology and arachnology.