Meeting Abstract

36.6  Monday, Jan. 5  Photinus ignitus flash signal patterns and preferences: evidence for selection through mate choice and Photuris predation CRATSLEY, C.K.*; POULIOT, A.; BASINSKY, G.; WADDINGTON, J.; GODIN, T.; Fitchburg State College ccratsley@fsc.edu

Photinus firefly bioluminescent courtship signals are critical for attracting and locating mates, but also serve as beacons for predatory Photuris fireflies. Photinus ignitus flash patterns are characterized by single flash pulses with long interflash intervals and female response delays. In spite of evidence for female preference for long male flash duration, females produce longer duration single-pulse flashes than males. In order to explore how mate choice and predation may select for P. ignitus flash patterns and preferences, we simulated firefly flash signaling in the field using Virtual Firefly Instruments. In separate experiments we simulated different P. ignitus courtship interactions and varied flash signaling patterns, female response delays, and female flash durations. We observed male P. ignitus and predatory Photuris flash behavior in response to these treatments. Both male P. ignitus and Photuris were significantly more active at sites with simulated signaling behavior. However, while Photuris activity was highest at treatments with high flash rates in the form of multiple-pulse flash patterns and short female response delays, male P. ignitus did not show greater activity at these treatments. Late season P. ignitus males did show increased flash activity in response to very long duration female flashes. Therefore, while Photuris predation may select for long interflash intervals and female response delays in P. ignitus, male preference for long duration female flashes may select for the longer flash durations observed in females.