The behavioral phenotype and mating behavior of two inbred strains ofDrosophila melanogaster

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Abstract
Time to copulation was measured in matings within and between two inbred Drosophilamelanogaster strains, Edinburgh (E) and 6C/L, using groups of one or five flies of each sex. The E males, which mated faster, usually mate with E females, which are less likely to be fertilized and have fewer progeny whose adult viability is lower. Although generally E males mated far faster with E females than did 6C/L males, there was no difference between the males when with 6C/L females. This need not imply any mating discrimination by E females, but only differences between the strains in the use of preening as a general repulsion movement toward other flies. It is suggested that a greater variety of behavioral and other characteristics (the “behavioral phenotype”) should be considered in studies of mating speed and assortative mating, especially where mating speed is being considered as a major component of fitness.