Females frequently mate with several males, whose sperm then compete to fertilize
available ova. Sperm competition represents a potent selective force that is expected to …

The outcome of sperm competition is mediated largely by the relative numbers of sperm from
competing males. However, substantial variation in features of sperm morphology and …

While both sperm number and quality are now recognized to be important in determining the
outcome of sperm competition, very few studies have experimentally assessed the influence …

Background Using information from physics, biomechanics and evolutionary biology, we
explore the implications of physical constraints on sperm performance, and review empirical …

Experimental studies in insects have shown how sperm competition can be a potent
selective force acting on an array of male reproductive traits [1–4]. However, the role of …

Sperm competition is now recognised as a potent selective force shaping many male
reproductive traits. While the influence of sperm competition on sperm number is widely …

Females are generally assumed to prefer larger, more dominant males. However, a growing
number of studies that control for male-male competition have shown no correlation …

Theory predicts that costly sexual traits should be reduced when individuals are in poor
condition (ie traits should exhibit condition‐dependent expression). It is therefore widely …

The flagellosperm of insects, although following a general ground plan, exhibit considerable
variation in morphology and ultrastructure across taxa, consistent with a history of rapid and …

Background Females in a wide range of taxa have been shown to base their choice of mates
on pheromone signals. However, little research has focussed specifically on the form and …