Scale insect male
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| Common name | Scale Insect, Giant |
| Scientific name | Margarodidae |
| Taxonomic group | Homoptera |
| Level | Family |
| Source | Dan L. Perlman |
| Selection and adaptations | Selection |
| Selection | Sexual selection |
| Behavior | Communication; Mating |
| Organisms | Animals |
| Animals | Insects |
| Location | Monteverde,Puntarenas,Costa Rica,North America |
Related materials: Giant Scale Insects
Compare the male and female giant scales for a great example of sexual dimorphism. The image of them mating shows that they are of the same species. Click the Related materials link to see all three images.
Giant scale insect male attracted to a pheromone-calling female, Costa Rica. This is an adult male giant scale insect, about 1/4 of an inch long (approximately 6 mm). He is winged and highly mobile, unlike the wingless and sedentary females who just sit, feed, call males, and mate. This male has been called in by a female in the late afternoon, presumably when she released one or more pheromones. Compare his appearance with that of the female; this is an outstanding example of sexual dimorphism and sexual selection. The male is brightly colored, winged, and mobile, and functions as a moving sack of sperm; the female need only stay put, feed, attract mates, and produce large numbers of eggs. Each sex is clearly optimized for its function.
