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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 4/15/2003 Publication Date: 1/15/2004 Citation: Konstantinov, A.S. 2004. Male combat and mating behavior of donacia crassipes f. and other chrysomelids (coleoptera: chrysomelidae: donaciinae).. Book Chapter. pp. 721-725 Interpretive Summary: Leaf beetles are among the most agriculturally important insects to the US. Many are serious pests feeding on crops and destroying valuable plants; others are important biological control agents that can be used to control noxious weeds. However biology of leaf beetles, particularly their behavior, is poorly known. This paper describes previously unknown aggressive behavior of one species called, Donacia crassipes. It illustrates particular combat techniques used by males and provides a possible explanation for morphological features of these beetles associated with gender in context of all known examples of aggressive behavior in leaf beetles. This study will be useful to entomologists, taxonomists, ecologists, and anyone interested in beetle behavior. Technical Abstract: A previously unknown aggressive component of the mating behavior of Donacia crassipes F. is described and illustrated. Male fights were observed in June, July and August from 1980 to 1982 on Unecha river in southwestern Russia. During the fights the following combat techniques are employed: warning display with the fast movement of hind legs and elytra; swinging with raised hind legs; pushing with apices of beetle abdomens, and leaning with all the legs on the leaf surface. Known leaf beetle fighting techniques are described and discussed. |
