AGGRESSIVE SIGNAL IN COURTSHIP CHIRPS OF A GREGARIOUS CRICKET

Unlike other known species of crickets, A. maya in Central America mates in groups. Experimentally silenced males experience reduced mating success, not owing to decreased receptivity by females, but owing to increased time spent fighting with other males that persistently interrupt silent courtships. Thus, the data indicate that courtship chirping functions as a warning to other males, rather than as a signal to females.