ANALYSIS OF THE MALE COMPETITION IN VICTORWITHIUS SIMILIS (BEIER, 1959) (PSEUDOSCORPIONES, WITHIDAE)FOR TERRITORY ACCESS

CALBACHO ROSA, LUCIA SOLEDAD; CEBALLOS ALEJANDRA

San Pedro, San Pablo

Congreso; 17 th International Congress of Arachnology; 2007

Males of different species have developed, during evolution, morphological and behavioral characteristics, important trait in intrasexual competition. We have studied this interaction in pseudoscorpiones of the Neotropical species Cordylochernes scorpiodes (Chernetidae), and male competition for territory has been corroborated. Size and previous residence traits are relevant factors that affect mainly the fight outcome. The objective of this work is to analyze male competition for accessing the territory, taking into account size (small-big, N=45), and previous residence in the place (resident-intruder, N=60). Seven treatments have been analyzed: treat 1 big resident vs. big intruder; treat 2 big resident vs. small intruder; treat 3 small resident vs. big intruder; treat 4 small resident vs. small intruder; treat 5 small vs. small with no intruder and no resident; treat 6 small vs. big, no intruder and no resident; treat 7 both big with no intruder and no resident. Parameters taken to compare were: individual mobility; interactions, considering who stars and who finishes; opisthosoma rubbing against the substrate; and aggressive movements with pedipalpos. Statistical analyses were performed. Infostat was used as statistical support. Treatment result with the different variables show that the bigger individuals have significant difference compared to smaller size individuals (p=0,05) as well as resident individuals compared to intruders (p=0,05).This suggestions that bigger as well as resident individuals have advantages in combat for territory.