Not every drought is bad: quantifying reproductive effort in the harlequin frog Atelopus laetissimus (Anura: Bufonidae)

Atelopus laetissimus is an endemic and threatened harlequin frog from the high mountain forests of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. Knowledge of its reproductive biology is essential for understanding the intraspecific interactions that can help the conservation of Atelopus species. We quantified the energy, measured in body weight, invested by males and females of A. laetissimus for reproduction, and how this energetic investment is related to the survival of individuals and rainfall conditions in habitats during two years (2014 and 2015). Our results show plasticity in terms of reproductive phenology linked to rainfall with short- and long-duration breeding strategies. The first year of this study, 2014, had a precipitation level in accordance with the annual averages at the area. During this time frogs exhibit a short breeding period. Contrary to 2014, 2015 was a year with little precipitation, below the annual averages, which probably facilitated the females’ quick spawning in the creeks and a consequent reduction in the duration of amplexus and low breeding efforts by males. This, in turn, was related to a long breeding period that favors the survival and reproduction of males during the entire year. In 2014 we found a decrease of 25% to 30% body weight of potentially reproductive males, which may be attributed to a prolonged duration of amplectant events.     

Aspects of natural history in a sand boa,Eryx muelleri (Erycidae) from arid savannahs in Burkina Faso,Togo, and Nigeria (West Africa)

The ecology of West African arid savannah snakes is still poorly known, especially in regard to the fossorial species. Here, field data on distribution, morphometrics, habitat use and diet are reported for the sand boa Eryx muelleri (Erycidae) from three different countries, i.e. Burkina Faso, Togo and Nigeria. This snake was observed in 21 distinct localities, and a total of 39 individuals was recorded. The species is likely fairly common and locally abundant. Mean body length of snakes was similar among countries and between sexes, but males had proportionately longer tails than females. Body length was significantly positively correlated with both tail length and head length. Adult sex ratio was close to parity. Most of the specimens were found in well-vegetated spots with low percentage of bare soil. There were apparently both ontogenetic and intersexual dietary variations: (1) a single analysed juvenile fed upon a small-sized lizard, whereas adults fed considerably upon young rodents; and (2) females fed exclusively upon young rodents and males upon both lizards and young rodents. In conservation terms, the species is actively exported from Togo for the pet trade, and additional individuals may also be illegally collected in other countries.     

Age,body size and growth pattern of Argenteohyla siemersi pederseni (Anura: Hylidae) in northeastern Argentina

In this study we analysed the body size, age structure, age at maturity, longevity and growth pattern of Argenteohyla siemersi pederseni in north-eastern Argentina using skeletochronological methods. Body size was sexually dimorphic; females were significantly larger and heavier than males, regardless of age. As A. s. pederseni is an explosive breeder with only one reproductive episode per year, we assumed that each Line of Arrested Growth (LAG) observed was equivalent to one period of decreasing growth, LAGs reflecting a direct estimation of individual age. The minimum number of LAGs counted was two for males and three for females, but there was no sexual difference in longevity. The von Bertalanffy's growth coefficients (K) were higher in males than in females for both size and body mass. Females had a lower growth rate than males, took longer to reach the minimum maturation size, and were older and larger at reproduction.     

Descriptions of the Patagonian species of the subgenus Trichohelea of Forcipomyia,with a key to the Neotropical species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

The following two new species of Forcipomyia (Trichohelea) collected in the Nothofagus patagonian forest are described and illustrated: F. (T.) sayhuequei from the province of Chubut in Argentina and Llanquihue in Chile, and F. (T.) tehuelche from the Argentinean province of Santa Cruz. Based on the examination of the types, the previously known species Lasiohelea shannoni Ingram and Macfie is recognized as a junior synonym of Forcipomyia limnetis Ingram and Macfie, and the species is redescribed and illustrated. A key to recognition of females and males of the 14 Neotropical species of the subgenus is included.     

LX.—Copepoda and Cladocera of the Cuillin Hills of the Isle of Skye

Summary

The life history of the African grasshopper Ornithacris turbida (Walker) was studied under controlled laboratory conditions. No phase variation was observed between isolated and crowded stock in respect of colour, morphometrics, weight of hatchlings or fledglings. All the females reared in isolation Had seven nymphal instars but in the case of the isolated males the majority had six but some had seven nymphal instars. This variation was also observed in the crowded stock for both males and females.

In isolation the mean nymphal life of 15 females was 78·7 ± 3·2 days, the mean for nine males having six instars was 59·9 ± 3·2 days and for five males having seven instars the mean nymphal life was 74·6 ± 3·8 days. Overall the nymphal life for the insects reared in crowds was slightly shorter, but no attempt was made to separate the insects having six or seven instars.

The stripes in the compound eye correlated with the number of nymphal instars. Colour changes in the compound eye coincided with overall body colour changes and maturation.

The mean maturation period of females reared in isolation was 101 days, varying from 72 to 158 days. The mean maturation period of the crowded females, estimated by the collection of the first egg-pod, was 73 days with a range of 62 to 84 days; when estimated by the collection of egg-pods averaging one per female it varied with the cage from 91 to 114 days. This suggests that maturation in the crowded females was quicker.

The isolated females lived longer than ones reared in crowded conditions, and laid more egg-pods. There was, however, no difference in the number of eggs per pod or their hatchability between crowded and isolated stock. In both cases 76% of the total number of eggs hatched. Hence overall the isolated females had a greater fecundity than those reared in crowds.

The average weight of a single hopper from isolated parents was 15·5 mg and that from crowded parents was 14·0 mg.     

Nesting dynamic and sex allocation of the oil-collecting bee Centris (Heterocentris) analis (Fabricius, 1804) (Apidae: Centridini)

The study of nesting biology is an important biological aspect for both conservation and management, but despite this, only a few of the over 20,000 described bee species have had their nesting biology studied. The aim of this study was to describe and analyse the nesting biology and dynamic of an aggregation of the cavity-nesting bee species Centris analis during one generation. Twenty-eight females were marked and had their nesting activities documented, 64 nests were sampled, and 113 individuals emerged from these nests. An asymmetry in the sex allocation was observed for this species, and the sex ratio was male-biased in the first nests built. Nonetheless, considering an individual-level perspective, the females showed different strategies, with some of them producing more daughters, other females producing more sons, and still others producing an equal proportion. The productivity per female was low compared to that of other solitary bee species, and the females displayed an aggressive usurpation behaviour against conspecific females and performed an intraspecific parasitism. As the substrate used to nest is a limiting factor for this species, the usurpation behaviour may be an important strategy that could increase the chance of nesting. A few males used the nesting site as a resting place and the fidelity observed to this locale was high. This study provides new information about the natural history of this bee species, which is an important pollinator of both crops and native plant species.     

Early life history of the sheepnose (Plethobasus cyphyus) (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Unionoida)

Managing a rare species can be improved with knowledge of its natural history. The sheepnose (Plethobasus cyphyus) is a freshwater mussel recently listed by the US as federally endangered. We used standard methods to study P. cyphyus brooding behaviour, host fishes in the laboratory and under natural conditions, and glochidial morphology. We monitored a population of P. cyphyus in the Chippewa River, WI during spring and summer 2007–2009 and 2011 and found brooding animals between mid-May and early August. Gravid individuals ranged between 5 and 27 yr (mean age ± 1 s.d. = 13 ± 4 yr). Plethobasus cyphyus brooded glochidia in outer gills, which varied in colour from red, orange, pink, cream, or white. We observed mature glochidia more commonly in individuals with cream or white gills and these glochidia were released in a clear, adhesive, mucus matrix. In laboratory trials we found several minnow and topminnow species (29 spp.) served as productive suitable native hosts. The mean number of juvenile mussels released per cyprinid per day was significantly higher for trials conducted at 22–25°C compared with those at 18–20°C, and 83% of trials conducted at 18–20°C using suitable host species produced no juveniles. Glochidia had a unique outline and shell morphometrics that distinguished P. cyphyus from seven other Chippewa River mussel species that produce similar sized glochidia. Using morphometrics we determined that mimic shiners (Notropis volucellus) were natural hosts for P. cyphyus, round pigtoe (Pleurobema sintoxia), and Wabash pigtoe (Fusconaia flava). Releasing mucus-bound glochidia has evolved in a variety of mussel species and may be more common than is currently realized. Our data show that P. cyphyus is a cyprinid host specialist, and propagation efforts for this species can be strengthened through improved access to mature glochidia by using females with cream-coloured gills and increased juvenile production through warmer fish holding temperatures.     

Bathyal cumaceans of the Catalan Sea (North-western Mediterranean): faunistic composition,diversity and near-bottom distribution along the slope (between 389 and 1859 m)

Deep-water epibenthic/suprabenthic species of Cumacea were studied in the Catalan Sea (Western Mediterranean). Samples (21) were taken at depths from 389 to 1859m, using a Macer-GIROQ type sledge, 32 cumacean species were collected. Diastyloides serratus and Leucon longirostris were the commonest species on the upper slope and middle slope, respectively. On the lower slope (1250–1859 m) dominance by any single species was not apparent and Cyclaspis longicaudata, Procampylaspis bonnieri and Platysympus typicus were the most abundant species. Two leuconids (Leucon cf. serratus, and Leucon (Crymoleucon) sp. A) were recorded for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea. The highest total abundance of cumaceans was encountered over the middle slope. Highest values of species richness and diversity (H') were registered at intermediate depths on the lower slope (1250–1355 m). The low H' value on the middle slope was attributable to the dominance of L. longirostris. Swimming coefficients calculated from near-bottom samples revealed intraspecific differences in the most abundant species. Thus, while mancas, juveniles, immature males and females, and adult females were captured almost exclusively in the lower level of the sledge, adult males of L. longirostris swam in the water column indistinctly between 10 and 140cm above the bottom. Similar trends, although less evident, have been established for other deep-sea cumaceans.     

The genus Ena in Turkey,with remarks on its phylogenetic relationships (Gastropoda: Buliminidae)

The Turkish species of Ena are revised. There are three species: Ena nogellii (Roth) is widespread in the western Pontic region of Turkey; Buliminus ponticus Retowski is a synonym of Ena nogellii (Roth); Ena menkhorsti Hausdorf and Bank, sp. n. is widespread in the eastern Pontic region of Turkey; Ena dazimonensis, sp. n. is restricted to the surroundings of Tokat. Ena is transferred from the Eninae sensu Schileyko into the Pseudonapaeinae Schileyko. Therefore, Pseudonapaeini Schileyko is a synonym of Enini Woodward and the Eninae sensu Schileyko must be called Chondrulini Wenz.     

Laboratory studies on the effect of crowding on phase and the life history of Schistocerca pallens (Thunberg) (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Cyrtacanthacridinae)

Summary

The life-history of Schistocerca pallens (Thunberg) has been studied under controlled laboratory conditions.

Both isolated and crowded stocks passed through six nymphal instars, with which the number of eye-stripes in the compound eye correspond.

The mean length of nymphal life of isolated individuals was 64·8 days for males and 67·1 days for females. Mean duration of nymphal life of individuals reared in crowds was 60·1 days irrespective of sex.

The mean time elapsing between the last ecdysis and the first oviposition for isolated females was 32·8 days. Each female laid an average of 6·36 egg-pods with an average of 57·8 days. Each female laid an average of 6·36 egg-pods with an average of 57·8 eggs por pod; of these 63·3% hatched.

Crowded females laid their first egg-pod on the seventeenth day. They laid an average of 14·44 egg-pods per female with a mean of 60·70 eggs per pod, of which 77·58% hatched. There was no significant difference in fecundity between females grown at the two rearing densities, but there was a great difference in fertility.

There was no difference in hatchling weight between the two rearing densities.

No significant chromatic or behavioural variations occurred in relation to isolation or crowding, but morphometrics showed differences associated with rearing density.     

Breeding biology and population structure of the intertidal crab Petrolisthes laevigatus (Anomura: Porcellanidae) in central-southern Chile

The present study describes the seasonal reproductive cycle and population structure of the porcellanid crab Petrolisthes laevigatus, a typical inhabitant of the rocky intertidal. A total of 960 individuals (including 372 females) was collected in monthly samples from October 1993 to December 1994 in central-southern Chile. Ovigerous females were present between August and December, and were absent between January and July. The breeding season started during late winter (August), and females with embryos close to hatching occurred between October and end of spring (December). Considering the gonadosomatic index and the duration of the incubation period, it is concluded that P. laevigatus has a markedly seasonal breeding period with probably two successive spawnings per female per season. Our results compared with previous studies in temperate intertidal porcellanids suggest a lower structural variability of the population during the sampling period, but a pronounced seasonal variation in both sex ratio and abundance. The influence of environmental habitat conditions (i.e. temperature) is suggested to be responsible for the lower variation in the crab population size structure in ovigerous females, and the almost constant size distribution observed in males.     

Natural history of Phyllomedusa megacephala (Miranda-Ribeiro, 1926) (Anura: Hylidae) in southeastern Brazil,with descriptions of its breeding biology and male territorial behaviour

The breeding biology and male territorial behaviour of the large-headed leaf-frog (Phyllomedusa megacephala) were studied in three temporary altitudinal streams located in the Cerrado biome of southeastern Brazil, during three consecutive years (2007–2009). Phyllomedusa megacephala showed significant sexual dimorphism, with females being bigger and heavier than males. Acoustic and physical interactions between males defending or not defending territories including amplectant and non-amplectant males, patrolling behaviour by males without established territories, and triple amplexus were observed. Neither males nor females were observed using visual cues when searching for mates. We found that males that were present at breeding sites in previous years bred more successfully and maintained territory better.     

Phoretic behaviour of Attacobius attarum (Roewer, 1935) (Araneae: Corinnidae: Corinninae) dispersion not associated with predation?

Attacobius attarum spiders exhibit a phoretic behaviour on the winged sexual of Atta leaf-cutting ants during their mating flight. However, it is unclear if this behaviour is for dispersion or to facilitate the predation of ants in the new colonies. A nest of Atta sexdens was monitored on the day of the mating flight, and the winged ants, as well as the spiders, were collected. The results obtained corroborate the hypothesis that phoretic behaviour is commonly used for dispersion of the spider A. attarum, predominantly females. Of these spiders, 64 individuals of A. attarium were collected, of which 62 were females (96.9%) and two were males (3.1%). Regarding the winged leaf-cutting ants sampled, 378 females and 361 males were collected, totaling 739 individuals. Of these, 64 individuals (8.7%) had a spider attached to its back for phoretic dispersal and none was observed on the queens after the nuptial flight. In our study, A. attarum females perform phoretic dispersal into the environment on winged leaf-cutting ants but do not settle in the new nests.     

Relative growth and sexual dimorphism of the South Atlantic hermit crab Loxopagurus loxochelis (Anomura,Diogenidae) from Ubatuba,Brazil

Some morphometric relationships and biometric aspects were studied in the hermit crab Loxopagurus loxochelis (Moreira, 1901) with the purpose of describing its relative growth and finding the size where sexual maturity is reached. Specimens were collected monthly from September 1995 to August 1997 in the Ubatuba region using double-rig trawl nets. A total of 1084 specimens (625 males and 459 females) was analysed. In this species, sexual dimorphism is particularly evident in chela dimensions. Differences between males and females were found in the left propodus length versus cephalothoracic shield length (CSL) and wet weight (WW) versus CSL relationships. Males showed a high positive allometry in chela growth, while females were close to isometry/negative allometry. The size at which a clear differentiation occurred in the growth of the propodus length and in the increase in weight of males and females was between 4.5 and 6.0mm CSL, suggesting that size at which sexual maturity is reached.     

Population characteristics of four deep‐water pandalid shrimps (Decapoda: Caridea) in the northern Aegean Sea (NE Mediterranean)

The population characteristics of four deep‐water pandalid shrimps (Decapoda: Caridea) were studied in the northern Aegean Sea in samples collected annually (1997–2000) in summer, through experimental trawl, at depths down to 600 m. Females were larger than males in Plesionika martia and Plesionika heterocarpus; no significant differences in size of males and females were found in Chlorotocus crassicornis and Plesionika antigai. A trend of increasing size with depth was observed, as well as a linear increase in the proportion of females with increasing size. Sex ratio was skewed towards females at all depths in P. antigai, while in P. heterocarpus and C. crassicornis males dominated the intermediate depths. Negative allometries were apparent in the carapace length–weight relationships in males of all species. Isometric relationships were found in females apart from in P. heterocarpus. The population patterns conform to relevant Mediterranean reports. However, some population differences exist that may reflect the distinct environmental conditions prevailing in the study area.     

Behavioural ecology of Australian gall thrips (Insecta,Thysanoptera)

Collections, observations and experiments were used to investigate the behavioural ecology of gall thrips (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) in New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. Data are presented on aspects of gall morphology, male and female morphology, behaviour, life cycles, and sex ratios for six gall-forming species, five species of inquilines (invaders that do not form galls), and one genus that uses secretions to glue phyllodes (modified petioles) together. During gall foundation on phyllodes of Acacia pendula, females of Kladothrips rugosus Froggatt fight other females to the death, males fight other males to the death, and one female or one adult of each sex remains alive within the gall to breed. In addition to the live adults, half of newly found galls contained dead bodies of from one to 13 males and females, which were apparently killed in fights. In Oncothrips tepperi Karny, which forms galls on Acacia oswaldii, single females found new galls, and females engage in lethal fighting during the period from gall initiation until closure. First-generation broods of Oncothrips tepperi comprise winged males and winged females with a sex ratio of about 1:6 female biased. Each gall also contains several wing-reduced adults with larger forelegs than winged adults, which probably either fight among themselves or defend their siblings from gall invaders. Adults of Oncothrips tepperi breed in the galls for two or more generations, whereas in all of the other species studied on Acacia only one generation occurs in a gall. Females of the inquiline Koptothrips flavicornis invade young, first-generation galls of Oncothrips tepperi, kill the foundling female, and produce their own offspring. Single females of Oncothrips antennatus (Moulton) form galls on Acacia aneura, and apparently do not fight. Winged females of Oncothrips antennatus have smaller forelegs, relative to their body size, than do winged females of Oncothrips tepperi. In Onychothrips arotrum Mound and Onychothrips tepperi (Uzel), single females from galls on Acacia aneura. In each species, females engage in lethal fighting during gall initiation. The sex ratio of Onychothrips arotrum broods is about 1:18 female biased. The inquiline Csirothrips watsoni Mound invades galls of Onychothrips arotrum, apparently after most or all of the offspring have left, and breeds inside. Females of this inquiline will kill live Onychothrips arotrum inside the galls, and they apparently plug gall entrances with cast O. arotrum exuviae. Iotatubothrips crozieri Mound and Crespi is involved in the formation of large, woody galls on stems of Casuarina, perhaps in association with a microorganism. They breed in these galls for many generations. Galls contain several to thousands of individuals, and the adult sex ratio is about 1:4 female biased. Adults of the inquilines Thaumatothrips froggatti and Phallothrips houstoni Mound and Crespi invade these galls, kill the Iotatubothrips adults, and breed therein. The Iotatubothrips occasionally attempt, ineffectually, to fight off the invaders, and they apparently make partitions within the gall to protect themselves from takeover. Adults of Lichanothrips spp. glue phyllodes of Acacia harpophylla together using eggs and patches of secretion, and they breed in the resultant narrow space. Xanothrips xantes Mound breed in these spaces after the Lichanothrips have left. Fighting in Kladothrips rugosus, Oncothrips tepperi and Onychothrips tepperi involves two adults rearing up head to head, sparring with their enlarged, armed forelegs raised, and attempting to grasp and hold their opponent with their forelegs and drive their sharply pointed fore-tarsal teeth into their opponent's body. Females of Onychothrips arotrum also grasp, stab and kill with their forelegs, but they have not been observed to rear up head to head. Three of the inquiline species, Csirothrips watsoni, Thaumatothrips froggatti and Phallothrips houstoni, kill the original gall inhabitants by extending their forelegs directly in front of their bodies, tilting their heads back, remaining in this position for variable periods of time, and sharply pulling their armed fore tibiae towards the fore femora when their victim is near. Inquilinism in gall thrips may have evolved from lethal intraspecific fighting. Certain aspects of behaviour and morphology in Australian gall thrips, such as high prevalence of lethal fighting, gall ‘plugging’ in Csirothrips watsoni, attempted gall defence and apparent formation of partitions in Iotatubothrips crozieri, and the presence of wing-reduced adults in Oncothrips tepperi, indicate that these species exhibit some of the most complex behaviour thus far discovered in Thysanoptera.     

Gregarine infection of adult Calopteryx virgo L. (Odonata: Zygoptera)

The zygopteran Calopteryx virgo from a habitat in western Norway was found to be infected by the eugregarine Hoplorhynchus oligacanthus. Females were most heavily infected, in contrast to other gregarine-infected zygopteran species, where no differences between males and females have been recognized. This disparity between males and females of C. virgo is attributed to their dissimilar behaviour and place of activity. The gregarine infection of C. virgo is considered in relation to infected coexisting zygopteran populations.     

Observations on the tube-building behaviour of the marine amphipod Cymadusa filosa Savigny (Crustacea: Ampithoidae)

The study reports on the tube-building behaviour of the corophioidean amphipod, Cymadusa filosa Savigny on two algae, Sargassum binderi Sonder and Ulva lactuca Linnaeus, based on experimental protocols using specimens in aquaria and in petri dishes. Cymadusa filosa was observed to construct open-ended, uniform diameter cylindrical tubes using amphipod silk, to bind together faecal pellets, detritus and fronds of Sargassum binderi or Ulva lactuca. Detailed studies of tube-building behaviour were carried out in petri dishes containing Ulva lactuca, using isolated specimens (5–13 mm in size) of different sexes for a period of one and a half months. Both males and females constructed tubes, and an average of four tubes were built by adults in 15 days. Females with young in the brood pouch did not construct new tubes following juvenile release. Juveniles were observed to build tubes using detritus and faecal material only within hours of being released from the brood pouch. The tubes of juveniles were either built on the walls of their mother's tubes or on an algal mass put together by the mother. There was a highly significant positive correlation between body length and tube length in males and females. There was no significant difference in the rate of tube length increase relative to body size between males and females, between males less than or more than 10 mm, or between females of less than or more than 10 mm. Tube-sharing was also observed between males and females.     

A new karst-dwelling gecko of the Gekko petricolus group (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from Phitsanulok Province,central Thailand

We describe a new species of the genus Gekko from Phitsanulok Province, central Thailand. Gekko flavimaritus sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of morphological characters: medium size for Gekko (snout–vent length 76.0–84.5 mm in six adult males, 67.5–78.3 mm in 11 adult females); nares in contact with rostral; two enlarged postmentals; 12–16 dorsal tubercle rows; 27–35 ventral scale rows; 10–15 subdigital lamellae on first toe, 15–18 on fourth toe; finger and toe webbing weakly developed; tubercle absent on dorsal surface of forelimbs and hindlimbs; adult male with 7–8 precloacal pores, in continuous row; precloacal pores absent in females; single postcloacal tubercle on each side; tubercles present on dorsal surface of tail base; subcaudals enlarged; sexual dimorphism present (colouration on dorsum in life — yellow in adult males and brownish grey in adult females); dorsum with whitish vertebral blotches between nape and base of tail. Genetically, the new species is nested within the G. petricolus group and is closely related to G. boehmei and G. petricolus. The new species has uncorrected pairwise divergences of ≥ 18.57% of the ND2 gene from other species of G. petricolus group. Additionally, we present the first genetic data for G. lauhachindai, and verify its morphological assignment to the G. petricolus group.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:06420ACC-2A05-4CE5-AF94-86B5D550E907     

Expulsion and consumption of male ejaculates by promiscous female Euxesta eluta and Euxesta mazorca (Diptera: Ulidiidae)

While expulsion of male ejaculates by the females after copulation has been reported for various animal groups, expulsion followed by consumption of the expelled ejaculate is a rare behaviour outside spermatophylax-producing orthopterans. Among Diptera, this behaviour has been reported for a few species of Piophilidae, Empididae and Ulidiidae. Here we report on its occurrence among Euxesta eluta and Euxesta mazorca (Diptera: Ulidiidae). We also attempt to characterize the mating system of E. eluta in order to facilitate future hypothesis testing to understand the behavioural factors leading to the evolution of this peculiar behaviour. For this, courtship sequences, copulation duration, frequency of ejaculate expulsion and subsequent consumption, and latency to ejaculate expulsion for both E. eluta and E. mazorca were recorded. The time of sexual maturation, the time window of sexual receptivity during the day, and the mating frequency and variance in mating success for males and females (degree of polygamy) were determined for E. eluta. Both E. eluta and E. mazorca males engaged in elaborate courtship sequences involving visual and tactile displays before copulation. Females of both species almost invariably expelled and consumed ejaculates after copulation. Female E. eluta, required a 6- to 9-day period feeding on protein and sugar before becoming sexually receptive. Reproductive activity occurred continuously over the day with an early morning and late afternoon peak. Both males and females could mate multiply, with multiple partners over a 2-h observational period. Sexual network analysis revealed that some males and females had greater mating success than others. Ejaculate consumption appears to be widespread in the genus Euxesta. It is possible that females obtain nutrients from this behaviour while exerting some control over egg fertilization.