Barriers to gene exchange in hybridizing field crickets: the role of male courtship effort and cuticular hydrocarbons

Abstract

Although many barriers to gene exchange are known in this system, the mechanism behind the mate recognition leading to reduced heterospecific mating remains unknown. The CHC profiles might be the phenotypic cue that allow males to identify conspecifics and thus to adjust their courtship intensity accordingly, leading to differential mating between species.