Mate location by diaptomid copepods

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Abstract
Female diaptamid copepods oscillate frequently between gravid and non-gravid conditions (about every 4 days at 18°C, in those species tested). Since viable egg sacs have been produced only by females mated during the gravid phase of this cycle and since remating is required for each clutch, experiments were conducted to determine whether mate selection was related to the reproductive condition of females, thus maximizing reproductive effort. The results indicated that males pursue and attempt to mate with any congener approached caudally, apparently using a hydrodynamic signal in the swimming wake as an initial cue, but they are most successful in catching gravid females. These results suggest the existence of a discriminatory mechanism which is linked to the female's reproductive cycle. The purported mechanism operates after a potential mate is initially perceived, and it may involve a modification of the female's escape behavior or the production of a pheromone. Further attempts to define the mechanism should concentrate on differences between gravid and non-gravid females.

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