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Daily rhythms, such as mating times, play a key role in shaping insect behavior and are pivotal in prezygotic reproductive isolation and speciation. To investigate whether mating behavior follows a daily rhythm under natural light–dark cycles and controlled temperature conditions, we examined the mating times of two related agricultural pest species, Anastrepha fraterculus and Anastrepha obliqua. Our observations revealed distinct patterns in their daily copulatory activities. A. fraterculus shows a unimodal pattern, peaking in the morning, while A. obliqua displays a bimodal pattern, with mating occurring in both the morning and late afternoon, all statistically validated. In A. obliqua, the morning peak is more pronounced before the winter solstice, reversing afterward. These results highlight the adaptability of these fruit flies’ biological clocks, allowing them to adjust mating timing according to seasonal environmental changes. Our findings also reveal how each species gauges environmental light–dark durations, even if annual variation is less pronounced in tropical regions, with twilight serving as a daily marker. The observed plasticity, including phase shifts in both species and amplitude changes in A. obliqua, emphasizes their synchronization with environmental cycles, which may explain the absence of specific pre-mating behaviors and the initiation of mating in low-light conditions, as seen in A. fraterculus. This study underscores the importance of biological rhythm plasticity in understanding fruit fly mating behavior, with implications for population management and ecological dynamics, and reinforces the need for 24-h observations to capture these rhythms fully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phoridae mating habits, like many aspects of this diverse family of flies, are poorly known. In this study, we compiled data from the literature and online photo and video-sharing platforms to understand general patterns of Phoridae reproductive behaviour. The photos illustrate the mating habits of 17 phorid genera of its two largest subfamilies, including genera that were previously known exclusively from preserved specimens in collections. We identified a general mating position for the family in which the male is behind and partially over the female, reaching with his forelegs the dorsal face of her wings while the female generally has her wings straight, resting over the abdomen. Some genera show remarkable exceptions to this position, including the male projected anteriorly over the female, the male being lifted high by the female, and the male under the female wings. Sexually dimorphic features of different genera are shown to be in contact during mating, possibly performing a stimulatory function. New cases of females displaying to males are also presented. Sexual selection theories that could explain the male–female interactions illustrated and the diversification of sexually dimorphic structures are also discussed. We believe that this compilation provides a general context for discussing Phoridae mating habits, and we hope this work leads to the development of new studies examining sexual selection in phorids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Meta-analysis of 44 studies (132,846 women) informs counseling on cesarean delivery and family planning. • Women's average desired family size is 2.63 children (95 % CI: 2.03–3.23). • 74% of women have stable childbearing plans; 10% with negative or uncertain plans later desire children. • Positive childbearing plans increase childbirth likelihood fourfold (RR 3.95; 95% CI 2.46-6.35; p<0.0001). • Negative plans are less predictive, especially in multiparous women. Rising cesarean delivery (CD) rates significantly impact maternal health, underscoring the need for comprehensive counseling. This review examines the consistency of childbearing plans over time and their predictive value for childbirth events. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases up to October 2023. Studies assessing women's childbearing plans at baseline (T1) and following up with subsequent plans and/or outcomes (T2). Meta-analyses calculated risk ratios and standardized mean differences using random-effects models. Bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Forty-four studies (n = 132,846 women) were included. Average desired family size at T1 was 2.63 (95 %CI: 2.03–3.23), remaining stable at follow-up (p = 0.135). While no significant change in plans was observed for women who initially wanted children, negative plans showed significant instability (pooled effect size: 0.18, 95 %CI: 0.03–0.33; p = 0.0162). Estimated rates of stable, decreasing, and increasing childbearing plans were 74 %, 12 %, 11 %, respectively. Positive plans strongly predicted childbirth (RR = 3.95, 95 % CI: 2.46, 6.35; p < 0.0001; I2 = 98 %). Follow-up childbirth rates for initially negative plans were 5 % (95 % CI: 0–44 %) for nulliparae, 13 % (95 % CI: 2–57 %) for primiparae, and 64 % (95 % CI: 61–68 %) for multiparae. On average, women desire 2.63 children (95 % CI: 2.03–3.23). Childbearing plans are largely stable, but around 10 % of women with negative or uncertain plans later desired children. Positive plans nearly quadrupled childbirth likelihood. Negative plans were less predictive, particularly in multiparous women. Future research should explore age, socioeconomics, and cultural contexts, particularly for nulliparous women over 35 considering elective CD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The common earwig Doru luteipes (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) is a generalist/omnivorous predator which is easily reared and is commonly found in many agricultural crops. The attendance of males during rearing may represent a hindrance, affecting longevity, food consumption, and use of other rearing-related resources. During dermapteran mating, a ritual between males and females is common; however, this has not been reported for D. luteipes. We observed D. luteipes mating and evaluated the role that male attendance plays in the reproductive success of D. luteipes females and progeny generation. We used three treatments: i) one male × a newly emerged female for 24 h after mating, ii) three males × the newly emerged female from mating up until the first egg laying, and iii) three males × a female from mating until death. Subsequently, only a female or female + male were held in plastic containers with an artificial diet and shelter for oviposition. There were differences among the treatments in the pre-oviposition period, percentage of nymph hatching, percentage of fertilized eggs, and duration of maternal care for inviable eggs. Female longevity was higher in the treatments that had a lower nymph hatching rate. This can be attributed to the fact that the females spent less energy caring for newly hatched nymphs or egg cannibalism. Our results indicate that for females to lay fertile eggs, factors such as mate acceptance, male competition, or a higher quantity of sperm in the spermatheca that can influence the percentage of nymph hatching and offspring generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of mating systems on individual behavior and physiology is a significant topic within evolutionary biology and behavioral ecology. This study aimed to explore the effects of different mating systems on locomotion in Drosophila melanogaster. By employing various mating contexts such as virginity, monogamy, polygamy with mated partners (PMP, where mated partners are rotated daily), and polygamy with virgin partners (PVP, where virgin partners are rotated daily), this study measured the locomotion levels, including the activity level and the average movement speed, of both male and female fruit flies. The results indicate that virgin males exhibit greater locomotion, PMP males show a significant decrease in locomotion, and the locomotion of PVP males decreases over time. In contrast, female locomotion does not significantly differ across mating systems. These findings highlight the influence of mating behavior on male physiological states and suggest potential implications for lifespan related to mating systems. This research provides novel insights into the impact of mating systems on behavioral and physiological mechanisms in animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amphipod Parhyale hawaiensis is a tropical species and of interest for use as a live feed in warm water marine aquaculture. Prior to the establishment of large scale culture optimal culture conditions need to be determined. The effects of temperature (20 °C, 23 °C, 26 °C, and 29 °C) on juvenile growth, survival, and generation time of the marine amphipod P. hawaiensis were assessed in this study. Growth was followed for 12 weeks, survival for 16 weeks and hatchling-to-hatchling generation time for 20 weeks. During juvenile production data concerning precopula behavior and mating pair productivity were obtained. Higher growth (length, weight) was seen at 26 °C (4.4 ± 0.58 mm, 2.8 ± 1.4 mg) and 29 °C (4.6 ± 0.8 mm, 2.3 ± 0.89 mg) and higher survival at 23 °C (25.2 ± 12.2%) and 26 °C (31.9 ± 3.2%). The hatchling-to-hatchling generation time at 26 °C and 29 °C was 16 weeks but was not determined at lower temperatures, as no hatchlings were observed by 20 weeks. Mating pairs were formed within two days and the productivity rate of mating pairs was 1.32 ± 0.31 juveniles per pair, at ambient room temperature (~ 21 °C). The data suggests culturing P. hawaiensis at 26 °C would enhance production. This study provides valuable data that may be used to establish large-scale production of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Reproductive behaviour plays a crucial role in goose production. To date, in most production systems, natural mating is favoured, which has a large impact on successful fertilisation. Two-thirds of the courtships and copulations occurred before noon in Zatorska and Grimaud geese. Depending on the breed, mating activity showed a seasonal pattern (peaking around January–February in Zatorska geese), ranged between 0.5 and 8.5 mating/day, was twice as common in the morning, varied with age and correlated with fertility. To accommodate a less stressful environment for laying and to protect the eggs, individual nest boxes (0.5 × 0.5 × 0.5 m, made of wood, bedded with straw) should be provided along the walls of the shed. Depending on the breed, oviposition interval may vary greatly (between 29 and 60 h), and egg laying may occur in specific times of the day or throughout the day. Broodiness in intensive production systems, due to artificial incubation, is an unwanted behaviour. Despite persistent selection, the occurrence of broodiness is almost 100% in some goose breeds (e.g. Magang or Zhedong geese), while in others, it is less than 5% (Rhine or Huozan geese). Parental care is not relevant in intensive production systems; however, occasionally, goslings are naturally hatched, and the observation of parental behaviours may give insight into the needs of the goslings. Proper environmental conditions and husbandry practices that mimic natural settings can enhance reproductive success, increase gosling survival rates and maintain a healthy social structure within the flock. By recognising and integrating goose reproductive behaviours into management practices, farm managers can optimise production, improve breeding outcomes and ensure the welfare of the animals. This approach leads to healthier flocks, better reproductive performance and, ultimately, more sustainable and humane goose farming operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rhythmic mating behavior of insects has been extensively documented, yet the regulation of this behavior through sex pheromone sensing olfactory genes affected by the clock genes in the rhythm pathway remains unclear. Results: In this study, we investigated the impact of circadian rhythm on female recognition of male rectal Bacillus-produced sex pheromone in B. dorsolis. Behavioral and electrophysiological assays revealed a peak in both mating behavior and response to sex pheromones in the evening in females. Comparative transcriptome analysis of female heads demonstrated rhythmic expression of the Timeless gene-Tim and odorant binding protein gene-Pbp5, with the highest expression levels occurring in the evening. Protein structural modeling, tissue expression patterns, RNAi treatment, and physiological/behavioral studies supported Pbp5 as a sex pheromone binding protein whose expression is affected by Tim. Furthermore, manipulation of the female circadian rhythm resulted in increased morning mating activity, accompanied by consistent peak expression of Tim and Pbp5 during this time period. These findings provide evidence that insect mating behavior can be modulated by clock genes through their effects on sex pheromone sensing processes. Conclusions: Our results also contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying rhythmic insect mating behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significance of ORPD (Optimal Reactive Power Dispatch) cannot be emphasized within the operation of power systems, particularly according to the growing use of electric vehicles (EVs). Electric vehicles (EVs) have the potential to influence the power grid via their ability to augment power demand and function as distributed energy resources. The effective administration of Optimal Renewable Power Dispatch (ORPD) in conjunction with Electric Vehicle (EV) integration necessitates meticulous examination of charging schedules, battery capacity, and the desired state of charge. In the current paper, a novel optimizer known as the Novel Gooseneck Barnacle Optimization (NGBO) algorithm is introduced to address the ORPD problem within the presence of Electric Vehicles (EVs). The NGBO algorithm draws inspiration from the regular mating behavior of gooseneck barnacles involving self-fertilization and casting sperm. To evaluate its performance, the NGBO algorithm is applied to two standard exam systems, including the IEEE 118- and IEEE 57-system of bus, considering various scenarios of EV penetration. The experimental outcomes demonstrate the NGBO effectively mitigates active power loss and voltage variation in power systems, surpassing several existing metaheuristic optimization techniques by reducing power loss by up to 15% and voltage deviation by up to 10% compared to traditional methods, demonstrating the effectiveness of the method in handling EV-related uncertainties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) is well-established as a negative regulator of reproductive physiology and behavior across vertebrates, acting on the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis; however, recent data have also demonstrated its involvement in the control of metabolic processes. GnIH neurons and fibers have been identified in hypothalamic regions associated with feeding behavior and energy homeostasis, with GnIH receptors being expressed throughout the hypothalamus. GnIH does not act alone in the hypothalamus, but rather interacts with the melanocortin system, as well as with other neuropeptides. GnIH and its receptors are also expressed in peripheral tissues involved in important metabolic functions. Therefore, the local action of GnIH in peripheral organs, including the pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, gonad, and adipose tissue, is also suggested. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the emerging role of GnIH in metabolic regulation at both the central and peripheral levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the first observation of Tropidophis boulengeri mating in the field, providing detailed information on the mating behavior of this snake species. The study was conducted in Ecuador, and the mating behavior was observed near a small forest stream. The article highlights the importance of further research to understand the reproductive patterns and ecology of Tropidophis boulengeri and other snakes in the Ecuadorian Chocó region. [Extracted from the article]

Context: Determining the birth date of lambs is important, as it is used in analysis for the generation of breeding values for lamb liveweight and lamb growth traits. Aims: We used proximity sensors to measure the daily interactions between 300 ewes and three rams over the mating period for two successive trial years to test the hypothesis that lambing date can be predicted for a typical New Zealand commercial mating system. Methods: The day that the ewe had the highest number interactions with the three rams was used to estimate the day of conception. Key results: In both trial years, 89% of ewes had a proximity sensor-based predicted lambing date ±6 days of the measured lambing date. In the two trial years, 81% and 78% of ewes had a predicted lambing date ±3 days of the measured lambing date. This demonstrates that the performance of the proximity sensor-based method to predict the lambing date was consistent between years. Conclusions: Proximity sensors, therefore, provide an indirect method to study mating behaviour that can be used to predict the birth date of lambs. Implications: This tool can be used by breeders to improve the breeding values of sires for lamb growth and liveweight when lambs are not tagged at birth, and the management of ewes by grouping them together by gestational age. Determining the birth date of lambs is important for breeding lambs with superior growth. We used sheep-attached proximity sensors to measure the interactions between 300 ewes and three rams over the mating period to predict the date of lambing. We found that 80% of ewes had a predicted lambing date ±3 days of the measured lambing date. This tool can be used by farmers to improve the management of ewes by grouping them together by gestational age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For cetaceans that produce narrow-band high-frequency click trains such as the Pacific harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena vomerinae), social acoustic behavior is poorly understood. While harbour porpoises have a reputation of being generally non-social and often solitary, few studies have aimed to quantify acoustic social communication for this species. In the waters surrounding the Port of Prince Rupert in British Columbia, Canada, harbour porpoises are often seen in groups where they have been observed attempting mating and surface-active behaviors. To assess the extent of social communication amongst porpoises in this region, we analyzed a long-term passive acoustic monitoring F-POD dataset collected from two sites, coupled with a detailed social acoustic criterion for detecting patterns of non-foraging click trains. Based on these criteria, porpoises were found to be producing patterns of obvious, discrete, and repetitive click trains that were marked as social. Generalized additive models were used to identify significant temporal trends in the dataset. On average, 5.3% of click trains produced by porpoises were social. Monthly and diurnal fluctuations in social detection positive minutes (DPM) followed a similar trajectory to non-social DPM, with peak activity observed during periods of darkness and from spring to early summer with a smaller increase in the fall. At one site, 11.1% of the DPM in May were classified as social. In general, proportionally more social DPM were found during periods of more overall DPM, suggesting that porpoises were socially communicating while in proximity to one another. Notably, overall DPM significantly decreased by 53.7% over three years. This novel methodology can be replicated in other regions to gain further insight into the social acoustic behavior of harbour porpoises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural behavior performance in captive animals is traditionally utilized as a metric to establish welfare states, with an increase in natural behavior associated with positive welfare. Captive environments, including zoos strive to replicate ecologically relevant environments that promote species-specific, adaptive behavior performance. However, spatial restrictions and complex habitats required by some species create various challenges for zoo staff to implement management and husbandry practices to achieve this. Some species struggle to adapt and cope in captive environments, with increased abnormal behavior performance which may reduce welfare. Other species may adapt to captivity in novel ways, demonstrating flexibility in their behavior patterns without compromising welfare. However, research indicating positive behavioral flexibility in captive animals is sparse. The main aim of this review was to categorize animals as being fully behaviorally flexible, partially behaviorally flexible, or behaviorally inflexible. Effect sizes (Hedges' g) were calculated to compare behavioral categories of animals in the wild and zoo, grouped by taxonomic Order (Testudines, Primates, Artiodactyla, Psittaciformes and Carnivora) and ecological traits to determine their level of behavioral flexibility. Effect sizes were also analyzed to determine behaviors suggestive of good welfare that were absent in zoo species. Despite variation across all groups, abnormal behavior was consistently highest in zoo animals, with reproductive and foraging behaviors most often compromised. Overall, complete positive behavioral flexibility was suggested in Testudines (potentially a result from temperature variation to maintain homeostasis), completely migratory species who are exposed to heterogenous landscapes when traveling long distances, and for a specific primate, the ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) potentially to improve resource access due to their terrestrial nature. All other groups evaluated demonstrated partial behavioral flexibility or behavioral inflexibility. Abnormal behavior prevalence and reduced foraging and reproductive behaviors in these groups suggests an inability to adapt to captivity. This necessitates more focused investigations that identify environmental features or aspects of managed environments that can meet a species' needs in the zoo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple mating is a behaviour observed across various polyandrous insect species. It is suggested that, in ladybirds, this strategy of multiple copulations is used to enhance fecundity and fertility through sperm replenishment. Studies on sperm depletion need to correlate fertility with the presence of spermatozoa in the spermatheca. This study investigates the role of sperm replenishment in the ladybird Cryptolaemus montrouzieri. We hypothesised that females of this species exhibit fecundity and fertility rates proportional to the number of sperm replenishment opportunities (constant, periodic or absent). We observed oviposition behaviour and hatching rates over 30 days, and simultaneously tested for sperm depletion in females that copulated once. We dissected the spermathecae at four post-copulation moments to count spermatozoa under a microscope. Our results indicate that a single copulation suffices to maintain fertility for at least 30 days. Females with constant replenishment opportunities exhibited higher fecundity but lower fertility and increased mortality, suggesting a reproductive cost associated with frequent mating. Females with no replenishment during the experiment, exhibited the highest hatchability rate and lowest oviposition. Periodic copulation resulted in optimal female mating rate, with average fertility and fecundity. A plausible hypothesis would be that paired females choose to fertilise fewer eggs from a single male but are unable to control the effects of the oviposition stimulus induced by the male's presence. These findings have implications for the management and rearing of C. montrouzieri in biological control programmes, optimizing mating strategies for mass production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: New observations on the reproductive behaviour of hollyhock weevil–Rhopalapion longirostre (Olivier, 1807) are presented. The morphology of the preimaginal stages of this species is comprehensively described for the first time. The pupal measurements indicate the existence of two morphological forms: a very considerable number of relatively large individuals (body length: 3.00–3.50 mm) and a few very small (1.75, 2.30 mm) individuals. Competition between R. longirostre and the hollyhock seed moth—Pexicopia malvella (Hübner, (1805))—for the development niche is described. New information is given on the distribution of R. longirostre as well as evidence confirming the connection between global warming and its expansion. Since the 1960s, the range of Rhopalapion longirostre has rapidly expanded from central Asia to almost all of Europe; it has also been introduced to North America. This expansion is an expression of this weevil's response to climate change. The phenology of Rhopalapion has been comprehensively described. Its feeding and development are associated with plants from the genus Alcea. Even though more than 300 scientific papers have been written on various aspects of R. longirostre, its immatures and certain kinds of behaviours have yet to be described. The aims of this study were (1) to provide new information on the biology of this species, in particular with regard to the morphology of the preimaginal stages, and (2) to present new observations of its reproductive and developmental behaviour. A total of 73 larvae and 67 pupae were collected from 20 hollyhock plants. Of these, 21 mature larvae and 42 pupae (21 male and 21 female) were measured and described morphologically. The descriptions of both larvae and pupae revealed a number of original features, not previously observed on known immatures of Brentidae. The sympatric development of caterpillars of Pexicopia malvella (Hübner, (1805)) in hollyhock fruit was recorded as a pathogenic factor limiting the numbers of R. longirostre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Captive breeding programs are used worldwide to elucidate the natural history of endangered species and to recover and conserve their field populations. Kuroiwa's ground gecko, Goniurosaurus kuroiwae (Namiye, 1912) is an endangered species occurring in southern Japan; however, its mating behavior has not yet been described. We thus observed and quantified mating behavior of captive G. kuroiwae. Breeding trials with two males and three females resulted in 12 successful matings. Mating included precopulatory, copulatory, and postcopulatory stages, with 13 distinct mating behaviors observed. Behaviors indicative of successful copulation included the male preferentially biting the female's neck and the female approaching the male to initiate copulation. Mating behavior was initiated more than 10 h at night after cohabitation in some instances. These results suggest that at least one night of cohabitation is required for captive breeding of this species. Our findings thus contribute to conservation efforts by informing captive breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata is listed as "critically endangered" on the Red List of International Union for Conservation of Nature; it requires in situ and ex situ conservation. To establish an effective captive breeding technique for the hawksbill turtles, its reproductive parameters and behavior in captivity, and the physiological changes, including hormonal changes, that lead to egg laying must be understood. Here, we observed the mating behavior of male (n=5) and female (n=3) hawksbill turtles (housed in a tank) from 2003 to 2007. We regulated the tank water temperature and daylight hours to simulate their natural environment. We sampled their blood at regular intervals to measure plasma concentrations of minerals and sex hormones. One (No. Ei21) of the female turtles was reproductively more active than others. Further, males mounted it more frequently than others. Subsequently, the female (Ei21) laid eggs twice, on 10 May and 8 July 2003. Females including Ei21 showed annual changes in 17β-estradiol and progesterone (P4) levels, whereas males showed annual changes in testosterone levels. Plasma calcium (Ca) level peaked in only the egg laying turtle (Ei21); however, inorganic phosphorus did not show a sharp increase. In 2005, as in 2003, Ei21 underwent similar physiological changes. We conclude that this phenomenon—of rapid rise in plasma P4, a hormone elevated after ovulation, followed immediately by a rise in plasma Ca level—is likely involved in the eggshell formation after ovulation. In future, we will further investigate these phenomena in hawksbill turtles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wing autotomy is known to occur sporadically in some heteropteran families but undocumented in the superfamily Lygaeoidea. The regular and seasonal partial de-alation of the macropterous form of the wing-dimorphic blissid bug Ischnodemus sabuleti is documented in this paper. All macropterous adults of both sexes stay full winged after emergence during the late summer and autumn and during the hibernation. Breaking down of the forewing membrane and the serious damage to the hindwings happens in the spring and coincides with the onset of the reproductive behaviour. Very likely the bugs mutilate their wings by rubbing them with the hind legs (active autotomy); however, this should be confirmed with observations. Heteropteran wing autotomy might have evolved several times independently from the normal wing-cleaning behaviour and might be triggered by natural wing injuries. Phylogenetically, the supposed wing autotomy of I. sabuleti is probably an apomorphic character. Most, if not all, heteropteran species known to mutilate their wings are the macropters of wing-dimorphic species, which fact represents another aspect of the phenomenon called 'migratory syndrome'. Concerning the possible adaptive value of I. sabuleti's supposed wing autotomy, some mutually non-exclusive hypotheses are presented and discussed. These might be also relevant to the documented wing autotomy of some other heteropteran species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melia azedarach L. commonly called Maha Neem is an economically and industrially important tree species with global significance. Although species possess versatile importance worldwide, information on reproductive biology and breeding system is scarce and limited for eastern coastal plain of India. Therefore, current study provides a detailed report on reproductive biology of M. azedarach. Maha Neem was found to bear violet to whitish violet, slightly fragrant, 14.99 ± 0.05 mm. long and 17.01 ± 0.08 mm. wide flowers. This tree commenced opening of floral buds during March and continued until May with a peak during March-end. The anthesis of species peaked between 08:00 and 10:00 am, which coincides with insect activity. Anthers were observed to dehisce during or shortly before anthesis; however, stigma started receptivity before anthesis and continued invitation up to 12 h after anthesis. Pollen viability ranged from 96.67 ± 1.6% to 98.26 ± 1.2 at the time of anthesis; after that decreased rapidly. Pollen: ovule ratio of 1096.38 ± 108.70 indicated the possibility of autogamy. The breeding system of M. azedarach revealed that fruit sets under natural pollination (NP) were significantly higher than Xenogamy. However, substantial difference was not reported in fruit set percentage under natural pollination and Autogamy, which is strong evidence in favour of self-pollination. Moreover, Maha-Neem is entomophilous with frequent visits by Apis and Syrphid flies. Current findings will be helpful in designing potent conservation strategies and planning successful breeding programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge on the mating system of a species is central to understand population dynamics and development. Special attention has been paid to the investigation of monogamous species and evolutionary causes and advantages of this mating system. However, social monogamy does not necessarily imply also genetic monogamy. Given the rarity of genetic monogamy in mammal species and the uncertain conclusions regarding multiple paternity in Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber), here, we undertake a further attempt to clarify the genetic monogamy of Eurasian beavers studying an Austrian beaver population by genotyping of gestating females and their foetuses at 19 microsatellite loci. Microsatellite analysis of mother–offspring groups suggest the occurrence of multiple paternity at a low level: two out of 42 litters (4.8%) were sired by two different males. We discuss the occurrence of extra-pair mating and potential drivers of multiple paternity in the light of beaver biology, population densities, territory characteristics and resulting activity ranges during reproduction period. Especially in the context of increasing beaver population densities in recovering populations and related increase of human-wildlife conflicts, sound knowledge on breeding biology, including species-specific reproduction tactics and their general applicability, is important for population monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the development and validation of an autonomous monitoring station that identifies and records the movement of social insects into and out of the colony.The hardware consists of an illuminated channel and a fixed camera to capture the wasps' activities. An ad hoc post‐processing software was developed to identify the direction of movement and caste of the recorded individuals.Validation results indicate that the model can detect with high levels of accuracy the presence of workers, drones and gynes, whereas direction of movement is accurate only for workers and drones, but not for gynes. Further development of the software and hardware should enable higher levels of accuracy, especially in terms of the direction of movement of reproductive individuals.This innovative tool holds immense potential for advancing ecological and behavioural research by providing researchers with rapid and easily accessible data.Understanding the activity patterns of individual wasps within the colony can yield valuable insights into factors influencing their growth, foraging patterns and the behaviour of reproductive individuals. Ultimately, this information can be incorporated into effective management plans for controlling harmful social insect populations in both ecological and productive systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Octopus are well known for their rapidly changing and diverse body patterning achieved through combinations of chromatic, textural, postural and locomotory components. The function of octopus body patterns includes camouflage for prey ambush and predator avoidance, aposematic display to startle intruders and predators, and potentially intraspecific communication. However, as many octopus species are often solitary, body patterning during intraspecific social interactions is largely unexplored. Here we provide the first detailed description of body patterns and the associated components expressed during social interactions of the diurnal reef-dwelling species, Abdopus capricornicus. This is the first study aimed at disentangling the body patterns used for camouflage from those used for communication. This was achieved by staging interactions between octopus pairs under controlled conditions in a bare sand environment devoid of rocks or algae. While most studies on octopus interactions focused on mating behaviour, this study focused on the body patterns expressed during intrasexual (e.g. male-male, female-female) and intersexual interactions. Notably, A. capricornicus shows the richest body patterning repertoire among coastal octopuses studied so far, including 10 body patterns which comprise 27 chromatic, 8 postural and 10 locomotory components. In addition, 18 types of social encounters were identified. Numerous body patterns and components specifically expressed during their interactions were also identified, suggesting that the complexity of the visual stimuli experienced by A. capricornicus, including social cues from their frequent interactions, may contribute to its rich patterning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endosymbiotic reproductive manipulators are widely studied as sources of postzygotic isolation in arthropods, but their effect on prezygotic isolation between genetically differentiated populations has garnered less attention. We tested this using two partially isolated populations of the red and green color forms of Tetranychus urticae , either uninfected or infected with different Wolbachia strains, one inducing cytoplasmic incompatibility and the other not. We first investigated male and female preferences and found that, in absence of infection, females were not choosy, but all males preferred red-form females. Wolbachia effects were more subtle, with only the cytoplasmic incompatibility-inducing strain slightly strengthening color-form-based preferences. We then performed a double-mating experiment to test how incompatible matings affect subsequent mating behavior and offspring production as compared to compatible matings. Females mated with an incompatible male (infected and/or heterotypic) were more attractive and/or receptive to subsequent (compatible) matings, although analyses of offspring production revealed no clear benefit for this remating behavior (i.e. apparently unaltered first male sperm precedence). Finally, by computing the relative contributions of each reproductive barrier to total isolation, we showed that premating isolation matches both host-associated and Wolbachia -induced postmating isolation, suggesting that Wolbachia could contribute to reproductive isolation in this system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Monitoring behavioural dynamics in complex animal environments, such as poultry breeding facilities, poses a challenge. Utilising technological approaches, such as accelerometers, offers a solution to assess long-term changes in reproductive activity at an individual bird level. Specifically, these sensors measure acceleration associated with the position and movements of the body over time. However, it is important to assess the most suitable method for attaching accelerometer tags to ensure they do not negatively impact behaviour and yield high-quality data. 2. The potential of tri-axial accelerometer tags for assessing reproductive behaviour in Japanese quail was evaluated. Two attachment methods – a backpack (plastic platform with elastic bands near wing bases) and a patch (accelerometer on fabric glued to the synsacrum region) – were compared. Controls were handled similarly but without tags. Eighteen pairs of females were housed in pens and assessed immediately and 24 h after handling. After a week of habituation, a male from the same treatment group was introduced into each pen on d 8. The reproductive behaviour of the males was recorded using accelerometers and video recordings. 3. The results showed that birds with patches were able to remove their conspecific's accelerometer and displayed an increased initial immobility response compared to the control and backpack groups. The presence of accelerometer tags did not impact male/female reproductive interactions nor fear responses to a novel object. From accelerometer recordings, male reproductive behaviour was easily identified as high amplitude fluctuations in the three axial components of the acceleration vectors, which was reflected as large values of dynamic body acceleration (VeDBA). 4. In conclusion, the use of backpacks with accelerometers is a useful strategy to address highly relevant and difficult to tackle behavioural topics such as the temporal dynamic of male reproductive behaviour within breeding groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Campo Flicker Colaptes campestris is a Neotropical woodpecker. Reports indicate breeding behaviour may vary regionally, as the northern subspecies (C. c. campestris) is a facultative cooperative breeder, but this is not reported for the southern C. c. campestroides. Also, this flicker can excavate or reuse cavities but whether cavity type impacts breeding success has not been assessed. The objectives of this study are to: (1) report breeding parameters of a southern flicker population in a natural woodland of central Argentina, (2) discuss differences from northern populations, (3) report cooperative breeding in the austral subspecies and (4) assess whether breeding success (e.g. number of fledglings, predation rates) and cavity features are related to cavity type (new vs. reused). We followed 55 nests (24 and 31 in new and reused cavities, respectively) over three breeding seasons (2015–2016, 2016–2017, 2017–2018). Neither reproductive parameters nor cavity measurements differed between cavity types. Ten breeding pairs (18%) had a third individual (i.e. formed a cooperative group) that collaborated with cavity excavation and incubation. Our results enlighten regional differences between populations of the Campo Flicker. We improve the knowledge on the link between new cavities and breeding success, providing a full description of the Campo Flicker nesting ecology, including the first evidence of cooperative breeding in this subspecies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited data are available on the characteristics and outcomes both of people who have and who have not had an abortion. Administrative data sources contain information on aggregate abortion counts and some demographic characteristics describing individuals who had an abortion but not on those who did not have an abortion. They are therefore of limited use for analyzing the characteristics, reproductive behaviors, and attitudes associated with abortion risk. Direct questions in population representative surveys yield downwardly biased estimates of abortion and likely differential underreporting of abortion by socio-demographic characteristics. In the present study, we evaluate the effectiveness of an indirect survey method, the list experiment, for improving estimates of abortion risk and differentials in population-representative surveys. We estimate cumulative-lifetime abortion incidence in 2017 and five-year incidence in 2021 using two cross-sectional surveys administered in Delaware and Maryland and evaluate the five-year estimates against external benchmarks from administrative data. We use multivariate regression with the list-experiment data to examine abortion incidence by socio-demographic predictors. We find that list-experiment estimates of five-year abortion incidence are similar to estimates calculated from external data: that cumulative lifetime abortion incidence increases monotonically with age, and that five-year incidence is inverse U-shaped. Black adults are found to be much more likely to have had an abortion both in the past five-years and over the reproductive lifetime, before and after controlling for age, parity, relationship status, education, and household income. We conclude positively about the validity and utility of the list experiment method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have established a general understanding of the association between risky sexual behavior, genetic risk, and cervical carcinoma. However, these studies were conducted several years ago and lack systematic analysis using high-quality and population-based data. Methods: We conducted a prospective nested case–control study to identify risky behaviors and developed a behavior score. Combining the behavior score and genetic risk, we evaluated the effect of sexual and reproductive behavior and PRS on cervical carcinoma through the developed conditional logistic regression models. Results: We verified increased carcinoma risk in individuals with early sexual intercourse (OR: 1.41 [95% CI 1.09 to 1.83], p = 0.0083), non-monogamous sexual partners (OR: 3.13 [95% CI 2.15 to 4.57], p < 0.0001), three or more live births (OR: 1.44 [95% CI 1.12 to 1.84], p = 0.0040), and high PRS (polygenic risk score) (top 25% of PRS, OR: 1.58 [95% CI 1.15 to 2.16], p = 0.0044). The unfavorable sexual and reproductive behavior score we developed was linked to a 151% increased risk (OR: 2.51 [95% CI 1.79 to 3.52], p < 0.0001) after adjusting for PRS. Women with both unfavorable behavior and high genetic risk had a 5.5-fold increased cervical carcinoma risk (OR: 5.45 [95% CI 2.72 to 10.95], p < 0.0001) compared to individuals with favorable behavior and low genetic risk. Conclusions: Unfavorable sexual and reproductive behavior increases the risk of cervical carcinoma, especially in those with a high genetic risk. These findings encourage us to adhere to a healthy sexual and reproductive pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Negotiating social dynamics among allies and enemies is a complex problem that often requires individuals to tailor their behavioral approach to a specific situation based on environmental and/or social factors. One way to make these contextual adjustments is by arranging behavioral output into intentional patterns. Yet, few studies explore how behavioral patterns vary across a wide range of contexts, or how allies might interlace their behavior to produce a coordinated response. Here, we investigate the possibility that resident female and male downy woodpeckers guard their breeding territories from conspecific intruders by deploying defensive behavior in context-specific patterns. To study whether this is the case, we use correlation networks to reveal how suites of agonistic behavior are interrelated. We find that residents do organize their defense into definable patterns, with female and male social mates deploying their behaviors non-randomly in a correlated fashion. We then employ spectral clustering analyses to further distill these responses into distinct behavioral motifs. Our results show that this population of woodpeckers adjusts the defensive motifs deployed according to threat context. When we combine this approach with behavioral transition analyses, our results reveal that pair coordination is a common feature of territory defense in this species. However, if simulated intruders are less threatening, residents are more likely to defend solo, whereby only one bird deploys defensive behaviors. Overall, our study supports the hypothesis that nonhuman animals can pattern their behavior in a strategic and coordinated manner, while demonstrating the power of systems approaches for analyzing multiagent behavioral dynamics. Author summary: Understanding how individuals organize their behavior to accomplish specific goals is an ongoing question in animal behavior. One major challenge centers on measuring and comparing how different behavioral traits relate to each other. This becomes even more difficult when multiple individuals are working together toward a shared goal. Here, we investigate the complex dynamics by which animals organize defensive behaviors to protect territories. We find that social mates show signs of coordinating their activities, especially when it comes to fighting off strong intruders. We also find that population-level patterns of defense vary widely based on the type of challenger, with more threatening intruders triggering more complex defense from territorial residents. Our results demonstrate the unique insights available through a systems-based network approach to studying territoriality. We contribute to an emerging literature focused on using computational approaches to better illuminate the complex ways that animals can work in unison to tackle problems they face in the wild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circadian clock regulates physiological and biochemical processes in nearly every species. Sexual and reproductive behaviors are two processes controlled by the circadian timing system. Evidence supporting the importance of proper clock function on fertility comes from several lines of work demonstrating that misalignment of biological rhythms or disrupted function of the body's master clock, such as occurs from repeated shift work or chronic jet lag, negatively impacts reproduction by interfering with both male and female fertility. Along these lines, dysregulation of clock genes leads to impairments in fertility within mammals, and disruption of circadian clock timing negatively impacts sex hormone levels and semen quality in males, and it leads to ovulatory deficiencies in females. Here, we review the current understanding of the circadian modulation of both male and female reproductive hormones—from animal models to humans. Further, we discuss neural circuits within the hypothalamus that may regulate circadian changes in mammalian sexual behavior and reproduction, and we explore how knowledge of such circuits in animal models may help to improve human sexual function, fertility, and reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Very little is known about the reproductive behaviours of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus). Here, we describe field observations of courtship behaviour by a whale shark at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. We witnessed and recorded following and biting behaviours by a sexually mature male of a smaller female. Following and biting are common events during courtship and copulation of other species of elasmobranchs. Our observations are consistent with earlier reports of courting behaviours in whale sharks provided by fishers, the pilot of a light plane and observations of courtship by a sexually mature male towards females held in aquaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many cellular processes and organismal behaviours are time‐dependent, and asynchrony of these phenomena can facilitate speciation through reinforcement mechanisms. The Mojave and Sonoran desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii and G. morafkai respectively) reside in adjoining deserts with distinct seasonal rainfall patterns and they exhibit asynchronous winter brumation and reproductive behaviours. We used whole genome sequencing of 21 individuals from the two tortoise species and an outgroup to understand genes potentially underlying these characteristics. Genes within the most diverged 1% of the genome (FST ≥ 0.63) with putatively functional variation showed extensive divergence in regulatory elements, particularly promoter regions. Such genes related to UV nucleotide excision repair, mitonuclear and homeostasis functions. Genes mediating chronobiological (cell cycle, circadian and circannual) processes were also among the most highly diverged regions (e.g., XPA and ZFHX3). Putative promoter variants had significant enrichment of genes related to regulatory machinery (ARC‐Mediator complex), suggesting that transcriptional cascades driven by regulatory divergence may underlie the behavioural differences between these species, leading to asynchrony‐based prezygotic isolation. Further investigation revealed extensive expansion of respiratory and intestinal mucins (MUC5B and MUC5AC) within Gopherus, particularly G. morafkai. This expansion could be a xeric‐adaptation to water retention and/or contribute to differential Mycoplasma agassizii infection rates between the two species, as mucins help clear inhaled dust and bacterial. Overall, results highlight the diverse array of genetic changes underlying divergence, adaptation and reinforcement during speciation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tequila bats (genus Leptonycteris) have gained attention for their critical role in pollinating different plant species, especially Agave spp. and columnar cacti. Leptonycteris nivalis is the largest nectar-feeding bat in the Americas, and the females exhibit migratory behavior during the breeding season. Due to its relatively small and seemingly declining population sizes, this species is protected by government agencies in the United States and Mexico. We conducted population genetics and phylogeographic analyses to elucidate the genetic structure and demographic history of the species using two mitochondrial markers and a Y chromosome-associated gene, to describe both maternal and paternal lineages. We estimated high haplotypic diversity measures for the different markers (Dloop—Hd = 0.775; Cyt-b—Hd = 0.937; DBY -Hd = 0.946). We found that geographic genetic differentiation is very low, and there is high connectivity among localities. The estimated divergence time between L. nivalis and L. yerbabuenae, the other species in the genus found in Mexico, aligns with previous estimates for the genus (6.91–9.43 mya). A demographic expansion was detected approximately at 600 ka—700 ka (thousands of years ago). The historical demographic changes observed in L. nivalis appear to be associated with environmental shifts during the Pleistocene, which likely impacted the distribution range of the plants that these bats feed on, such as Agave species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Southern Ground Hornbill (SGH – Bucorvus leadbeateri) is one of the largest hornbill species worldwide, known for its complex social structures and breeding behaviours. This bird has been of great interest due to its declining population and disappearance from historic ranges in southern Africa. Despite being the focus of numerous conservation efforts, with research forming an integral part of these initiatives, there is still a substantial lack of knowledge regarding the molecular biology aspects of this bird species. In this study, whole genome sequencing of the SGH was achieved using Illumina short-read (NovaSeq 6000) and Pacific Biosciences long-read technologies. A hybrid de novo genome assembly followed by reference-based refinement produced a 1.16 Gb high-quality draft genome assembly of the SGH comprised of 1,672 contigs (N50 value of 40.45 Mb). The availability of this genome will aid in improving our current understanding of this bird at a genomic level and provide a pivotal foundation for comparative genomic analysis with other hornbill species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolonged reproductive interactions can lead to social plasticity and fitness differences for a focal individual in response to their partner's characteristics. Age can provide a way to manipulate the influence of a social partner due to its predictable consequences for mate quality and reproductive effort. Here, we use a full factorial design to examine the interactions between male and female age on behavior and reproductive performance in the obligately caring, frequently biparental burying beetle Nicrophorus orbicollis. We found that both males and females increased their reproductive effort with age. However, this response was weaker than that of a related, more uniparental species that provides facultative care, indicating that details of age-related behavior are predictable based on species differences. We also found that male and female behavior depended on both their own and their partner's age, as well as their partner's behavior. Lastly, we found that mismatched age pairs had the highest levels of reproductive success. These results indicate that reproductive senescence does occur but that it can be mitigated by having a young social partner. This also suggests a rarely found pattern wherein age-mismatching may have beneficial consequences for both parental and offspring fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physiological costs of inbreeding in wild animals are well-documented, but the potential cognitive costs of inbreeding have received far less attention. A growing body of evidence indicates that inbreeding is associated with impaired learning ability and aberrant innate behaviors in model systems, as well as intellectual disability and lower general intelligence in humans. As highlighted in this review, however, far less is known about inbreeding-linked cognitive impairments for wild populations and the potential behavioral and fitness implications of these impairments. Here, we review evidence indicating that, through its negative effects on song and other courtship behaviors, as well as its association with deficits in mating behavior and parental care, inbreeding is likely to have negative consequences for reproductive success in wild animals. The impairment of specific cognitive abilities, such as learning, innovation, and decision-making, may be particularly detrimental for inbred animals in changing environments, where individuals must adjust their behavior appropriately to deal with novel threats and resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between individual personality and sexual selection has the potential to provide insights into how variation in personality traits is maintained. However, whether and how individuals with different personality traits have different mating behaviors and the fitness consequences has remained largely unexplored. We tested the hypothesis that male individuals have different mating behavior depending on their personality traits, and that there are fitness effects of personality traits. To do so, we conducted trials to quantify personality traits and observed mating behavior under standardized conditions in the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum). We also collected the number of offspring produced by their female mates to assess the association between male personality and their reproductive fitness. We found that male beetles showed consistent inter-individual differences in walking distance, emergence time from shelter, and death-feigning time, which likely corresponding to 2 personality traits of activity and boldness. Although larger males had higher mating success and produced more offspring, some personality traits were also strongly related to mating behavior and reproductive fitness. Males with longer walking distances tended to seek female mates more promptly. Other than the morphological trait of body size, the emergence time from shelter (boldness) also showed a positive relationship with the number of matings and offspring reproduced. Furthermore, we found that the interaction between death-feigning time and walking distance in males influenced the number of matings they obtain, with either shy but active or bold but inactive males achieving more matings. We therefore highlight that alongside morphological traits, certain personality traits can also play a role in affecting mating behaviors and even reproductive fitness in males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male–male social interactions exert a substantial impact on the transcriptional regulation of genes associated with aggression and mating behavior in male Drosophila melanogaster. Throughout our comprehensive genetic screening of aggression-related genes, we identified that the majority of mutants for these genes are associated with rival-induced and visually oriented mating behavior, longer-mating duration (LMD). The majority of mutants with upregulated genes in single-housed males significantly altered LMD behavior but not copulation latency, suggesting a primary regulation of mating duration. Single-cell RNA-sequencing revealed that LMD-related genes are predominantly co-expressed with male-specific genes like dsx and Cyp6a20 in specific cell populations, especially in cone cells. Functional validation confirmed the roles of these genes in mediating LMD. Expression of LMD genes like Cyp6a20 , Cyp4d21 , and CrzR was enriched in cone cells, with disruptions in cone cell-specific expression of CrzR and Cyp4d21 leading to disrupted LMD. We also identified a novel gene, CG10026 /Macewindu , that reversed LMD when overexpressed in cone cells. These findings underscore the critical role of cone cells as a pivotal site for the expression of genes involved in the regulation of LMD behavior. This study provides valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms underlying complex sexual behaviors in Drosophila. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three active nests of Oxaea stenocoryphe were studied in Rosario de Lerma (Salta province, Argentina) and are described herein for the first time. Both the architecture of the nests and the behaviour of males and females of O. stenocoryphe are similar to those of other species of the subfamily. The nests consisted of a vertical shaft that extended up to 1 m deep and ended in horizontally orientated lateral tunnels. One cell was located at the end of an open lateral tunnel; the remaining ones were distributed beneath the closed lateral tunnels. The cells, composed of a chamber, a spiral closure and an antechamber, were vertically orientated and surrounded by a discrete wall. Males showed sleeping aggregation and territorial behaviours. Solitary females foraged on plants of Solanum sisymbriifolium (Solanaceae), Senna pendula and Senna spectabilis (Fabaceae), and nested in an open, grassy and semi-natural habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the Mediterranean Gull (Ichthyaetus melanocephalus), utilizing GPS/GSM transmitters year-round for the first time on this species. The research covers habitat use, migration patterns, and breeding behaviors, tracking 19 birds captured at breeding colonies in Poland. To capture the birds and fit transmitters, we selected representative locations: islands in dam reservoirs, gravel pits, rivers, and lakes. Mediterranean Gulls nested mainly in colonies of Black-headed Gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus). By tracking birds with transmitters, we identified nine additional breeding sites within Poland, the Czechia, and Germany. We determined the mean length of phenological periods: breeding (76, April 10–June 26), autumn migration (11, June 26–July 7), winter (261, July 5–March 23), and spring migration (18, March 23–April 10). According to residence sites analysis, cropland was the most frequently used habitat during breeding (52.9%), while the open sea was predominant in winter (25.8%). We identified key wintering areas: the English Channel, the Utrecht–Antwerpen area, the North Sea coast, and the Irish Sea coast. One individual wintered along the coast of Portugal and near Malaga in Spain. An interesting discovery was the longer spring migration than autumn what involved visits to multiple potential breeding sites, leading to the mapping of a network of potential breeding areas. This underscores the need for proactive habitat protection and comprehensive conservation strategies. Given the Mediterranean Gull's migratory behavior and lifecycle, the study advocates for it as a model for conserving migratory waterbirds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Comparing the life cycles of wild and cultivated carrots is vital for identifying any overlapping flowering periods, as wild carrots have the potential to compromise the genetic purity of commercial carrot seeds via pollen flow. However, little information is known about how juvenility, vernalization, and their interactions impact the flowering pattern of wild and cultivated carrots in New Zealand. Aims: We evaluated the influence of different juvenile phases, and vernalization phases on floral characteristics and flowering behaviour of cultivated and wild carrots. Methods: The study was a factorial randomized complete block design with four blocks of five plants per block, incorporating treatments of different carrot genotypes (G1, cultivated; G2, wild carrots), juvenile phases (J1, 12 weeks; J2, 8 weeks; J3, 4 weeks), and vernalization phases (V1, 12 weeks; V2, 4 weeks; V3, no vernalization). Flowering percentage, flowering time, percentage of overwinter survival, and floral traits, including number of umbels and branches, and height of floral stem were recorded and analyzed by ANOVA. Key results: Cultivated carrots flowered only when exposed to 12 weeks vernalization, while wild carrots have shown 100% flowering across all treatment combinations. Wild carrots exhibited a higher overwintering survival rate (94.9–100%) than cultivated carrots (66.1–98.3%). Prolonged exposure to vernalization significantly affected the floral traits of wild carrots. Conclusions: There is a high likelihood of overlapping flowering periods between wild and cultivated carrots, as wild carrots can survive as both winter and summer annuals. Implications: To avoid undesirable pollen flow during overlapping flowering periods of wild and cultivated carrots, we recommend timely weed management strategies to control wild carrots. We compared the flowering patterns of wild and cultivated carrot genotypes in the context of quality carrot seed production. Wild carrots exhibited higher overwintering survival, thrive in different environmental conditions, have a more flexible life history approach, and attract reward pollinators better than cultivated carrots. Our findings provide baseline information for policymakers, scientists, industrialists, and growers to control wild carrots and produce genetically pure commercial seeds by incorporating knowledge of lifecycles and flowering behaviour of wild and cultivated carrots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population density of Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus) in Jiangsu Dafeng Milu Nature Reserve was excessively high due to an overemphasis on population recovery, while ignoring the crucial relationship between population size and habitats. This study used immunocastration to capture four Père David's deer and observed their behavior. Their blood was collected for sex hormone testing, transcriptomics, and metabolomics analysis. In addition, six uncastrated Père David's deer were included as control group. The results showed that reproductive behavior was absent in castrated Père David's deer, while castrated individuals exhibited a significant decrease in blood hormone testosterone concentration compared to uncastrated Père David's deer. Transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed 450 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and five differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs), Combined analysis of transcriptome and metabolic data revealed a significant correlation between DEGs and DEMs. It shows that using immune castration to control the population of Père David's deer may disrupt their cell apoptosis and disturb the cell cycle, leading to abnormal pathways and promoting the onset of many diseases. Therefore, a cautious approach should be adopted toward immune castration as a means of population control. This study can provide valuable references for the standardized management of Père David's deer populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reproduction is a fundamental biological process for producing offspring and ensuring the continuation of the species. With nearly 35,000 fish species worldwide exhibiting a very diverse range of reproductive systems and strategies, the study of fish reproduction is a significant challenge. Research into various fish reproductive models is driven by their use in human biomedical applications, improving the diversification and sustainability of aquaculture species, and developing strategies for biodiversity conservation. These models must be approached from an animal ethics perspective, considering the welfare of the species under study and applying the 3Rs principle (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement). This principle focusses on replacing animals with alternative methods wherever possible, reducing the number of animals used and refining procedures to minimize suffering. While destructive sampling of wild aquatic species should be minimized, the need remains to provide information on reproduction as an important parameter for delineating management and conservation programs. One of the practices that helps reduce and replace the use of animal testing is the scientific study of individuals obtained through bycatch. This is the case for some chondrichthyans, and endangered fish species included in conservation programs. Regarding fish species that are kept under human care (commonly called captivity), studies on reproduction are essential to improve well-being and increase production of farmed species. Research on fish reproduction requires expanding basic knowledge of broodstock management tools, such as gamete quality assessment, reproductive behavior studies, the use of hormone therapies to stimulate reproduction, and the development of non-lethal or less invasive methods using body fluids (e.g., mucus, seminal plasma, blood plasma, or urine) to study reproductive status, as well as novel markers from state-of-the-art omics research. This review describes a multidisciplinary approach that includes the aforementioned reproductive management tools, indicators of welfare, and next-generation sequencing techniques using samples collected by minimally invasive methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study addresses chemical communication in the poplar moth, a pest that damages poplar trees in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, where it was first detected in Chile in 2015. Since then, it has become a major pest in poplar nurseries and plantations, reducing tree yields and contaminating nearby fruit crops with its pupae. The research aimed to identify the chemical signals or pheromones that male and female moths use to attract each other, which are critical to their mating process. By understanding these signals, researchers hope to develop tools to control moth populations. This study discovered two unique compounds produced by male moths, one of which is critical for attracting females at close range during courtship. When this compound was removed, male moths were far less successful in courtship, but exposure to a synthetic version restored their success. These findings reveal new insights into the complex communication systems of moths, highlighting the chemical diversity involved in their mating behavior. Understanding these interactions contributes to our broader knowledge of insect ecology and could lead to environmentally friendly approaches to managing pest species, ultimately supporting healthier ecosystems and sustainable agricultural practices. The poplar moth, Leucoptera sinuella (Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae), is widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. It was first identified in Chile in 2015 and has since become a significant pest in the agricultural sector. Additionally, economic losses are further aggravated by the presence of L. sinuella pupae in nearby fruit orchards. This study investigated the presence of a male-produced sex pheromone in L. sinuella, focusing on the hairpencil (HP) glands, which are known as dissemination structures for male pheromones in lepidopterans. Male HP glands were solvent-extracted and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Chemical microderivatization and comparisons of mass spectra and retention indices of natural compounds with synthetic standards led to the identification of two compounds: (Z)-3-decenyl hexanoate (the major component) and (Z)-3-decen-1-ol (a minor component). Although electrophysiological assays did not show detectable antennal responses to (Z)-3-decenyl hexanoate, behavioral bioassays demonstrated its role as a short-range courtship signal in L. sinuella. Males with ablated hairpencils exhibited significantly reduced courtship success compared to controls; however, exposure of females to synthetic (Z)-3-decenyl hexanoate or HP extract restored male courtship success. To our knowledge, (Z)-3-decenyl hexanoate has not been previously reported as a sex pheromone component in any insect species, making this discovery an intriguing addition to the diversity of chemical communication in insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Predator–prey population dynamics is one of the most studied problems in population biology. Parasitoids' reproductive behaviour is crucial in shaping host population dynamics and plays a key role in determining their reproductive strategies. Along with many biotic and abiotic parameters, the age of the adult parasitoids plays an important role in their performance. This research focuses on the variation in some biological parameters related to the fecundity of the parasitoid A. ervi, as a function of female age at the first oviposition. The results of the present study provide key elements on the effects of the time elapsed between parasitoid emergence and first oviposition, making it possible to predict the behaviour and performance of the parasitoid following its release in the field. The study of parasitoid reproductive behaviour is crucial to understanding how parasitoids influence host population dynamics, and the strategies used by parasitoids to maximize their reproductive success. Studying how the parasitoid optimizes its reproductive resources is important as it provides information to improve the efficiency of a biological control programme. Many studies have been carried out on Aphidius ervi to assess the foraging behaviour of the parasitoid, but how the age of the parasitoid affects its foraging behaviour is still poorly understood. In the present study, the influence of the time elapsed between adult parasitoid emergence and the first oviposition in A. ervi was evaluated. Correlations between the parasitoid size and other fitness components were also investigated. Our results show how the parasitoid senescence is associated with the loss of reproductive capacity, as the late field release of parasitoids reduces their total parasitism. We also observed a parasitization rhythm independent of the parasitoid age. Possible explanations for the observed phenomena are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental evolution is a powerful approach to study the mechanisms underlying the adaptation of selected characters under the conditions chosen in the laboratory. Drosophila melanogaster is a species frequently used to investigate the experimental evolution of characters, especially those related to reproduction. Recent intra-generational studies showed that cis-vaccenyl acetate (cVa), a sex pheromone transferred with bacteria on eggs by females either 1 day (D1) or 5 days (D5) after copulation, differentially affected the behavior and pheromone release in adult males emerging from these eggs. Here, we extended this finding to determine whether this alternative egg exposure repeated over many generations could affect a larger set of reproduction-related characters in both sexes. To test the repetitive effects of maternal D1 or D5 post-copulatory factors, we carried out an experimental selection procedure consisting of exposing eggs during 40 successive generations to D1 or D5 maternal post-copulatory factors. We compared cVa and cuticular pheromones, courtship and mating behaviors, and fecundity at different generations in flies of D1 and D5 lines. Based on findings obtained at earlier generations, we also determined survival, bacterial composition and gene expression in adults. Some of these complex traits significantly diverged between D1 and D5 lines indicating that maternal post-copulatory factors transmitted to eggs can influence adult life history traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hymenoepimecis wasps (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) are ectoparasitoids of spiders that modify the hosts' behaviour by inducing changes in webs. Variations in the male reproductive tract contribute to enhancing our understanding of the reproductive behaviour of these insects. This study describes the morphology of the male reproductive tract of Hymenoepimecis bicolor (Brullé, 1846) using light microscope. The male reproductive tract of H. bicolor consists of a pair of testes, each containing a single follicle, two vasa deferentia, one ejaculatory duct and two accessory glands. The testis follicle has cysts at various stages of spermatogenesis, indicating ongoing sperm cell development and maturation. The vasa deferentia are elongated, with a coiled distal portion, whereas the proximal regions are laterally associated with a pair of accessory glands. The wall of the vasa deferentia has simple cuboidal epithelium. The accessory glands had a simple columnar epithelium with the lumen filled with heterogeneous content. The seminal vesicle is absent. The similarity in the anatomy and histology of the male reproductive tract of H. bicolor with other Hymenoptera suggests that the parasitoid behaviour does not result in significant alteration to their reproductive organs, indicating that the reproductive tract is conserved in Hymenoptera, regardless of their behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study investigates the effects of GO on depressive behaviors and reproductive parameters in rats exposed to CRS. Materials and Methods: Rats were divided into three groups: sham, CRS-control, and CRS-GO. Behavioral assessments using the SPT and measurements of body and testes weights were conducted. Reproductive potential was evaluated by ELISA for testosterone, LH, and FSH levels, as well as sperm characteristics. Oxidative stress levels were assessed through MDA measurements and antioxidant enzyme activities. Additionally, apoptotic and signaling pathway proteins were analyzed by measuring cleaved caspase-3 and Nrf-2 levels in the testes using western blot analysis. Results: GO mitigated depressive behaviors and reduced serum corticosterone levels compared to the CRS-control group. GO increased testosterone, LH, and FSH levels and improved sperm parameters. GO supplementation reduced MDA levels and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities compared to the CRS-control group. The analysis showed that GO down-regulated cleaved caspase-3 levels and up-regulated Nrf-2 protein levels in the testes of CRS rats compared to the CRS-control group. Conclusion: The administration of GO treatment can contribute to the recovery from male reproductive complications by regulating oxidative stress and apoptotic pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reproductive strategies vary widely among bats, even within the same species. The molossid Tadarida teniotis has an intermediate latitudinal distribution between tropical bats and those of temperate zones. There are still some uncertainties about its migratory behaviour and reproductive mode that are not yet fully understood. Some authors believe that this species breeds in spring and is sedentary, while others propose a bimodal breeding cycle with occasional or partial migration. In this paper, these contradictory approaches are exposed, providing more data to help solving this controversy. The results of the species monitoring for several years verified the existence of harems in spring and summer-autumn in at least one location of its range (Valladolid, central Spain). In both periods and during several months, males were observed performing patrols and displaying aggressive behaviour towards male intruders. This may have been facilitated by the peaks in migratory moth abundance. For the late parturitions occurring in autumn/winter and in case of absence of deferred reproduction mechanisms, a sex-biased migration is necessary for, at least, the females who got pregnant during the autumn mating. Thus, the species appears to show greater reproductive and migratory complexity than previously thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]