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Sexual Preference in Female Singing Mice (Scotinomys Teguina) Based on Male Song Effort
by Raney Saches
Faculty Advisor: Stephen Phelps, PhD, Graduate Student Mentor: Tracy Burkhard
Females may choose males whose traits signal better genes, as well as those who demonstrate trait differences from the males a female was raised with. Additionally, female sexual preference across species varies with hormonal levels and behavioral estrus cycles. Sexual preference in females has been neglected relative to male preference, which is more robustly expressed and easier to measure in most species. Evidence on the specifics of how females choose mates is sparse, but extravagant male signaling has long been a suspected factor. Male Alston’s singing mice (Scotinomys Teguina) produce loud and elaborate songs, which they use most frequently in sexual scenarios. These songs vary in complexity: while some males are able to produce high-effort songs, others can’t afford the energy expense or predator exposure and thereby produce lower-effort songs. This study examined female preference for high or low-effort songs produced by a male. The most effective method of estrus induction was determined by varying hormone treatment methods. Young, estrus induced and validated females were tested by measuring approach and investigation behavior to high and low effort songs in a two choice test. Preference test results display strong female preference for the high effort stimuli, and may indicate a trend of females selecting “superior” males with higher energy reserves and stronger virility based on male signaling characteristics.