Abstract
Unisexual reproduction is a widespread phenomenon in invertebrates and
lower vertebrates. If a former sexual reproducing species becomes
parthenogenetic, we expect traits that were subject to sexual selection
to diminish. The bushcricket Poecilimon intermedius is one of the few
insect species with obligate but diploid parthenogenetic reproduction.
We contrasted characters that are involved in mating in a sexually
sibling species with the identical structures in the parthenogenetic P.
intermedius. Central for sexual communication are male songs, while
receptive females approach the males phonotactically. Compared to its
sister-species P. ampliatus, the morphology of the hearing organs
(acoustic spiracle, crista acustica) and the function of hearing
(acoustic threshold) are reduced in P. intermedius. Nonetheless,
hearing is clearly maintained in the parthenogenetic females. Natural
selection by acoustic hunting bats, pleiotropy or a developmental trap
may explain the well maintained hearing function.
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