Abai, MR

6th International Congress of DipterologyThe role of female choice on the shape and size of the malephallus in the SarcophagidaeDahlem, G. A.Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY41099, USAMales of the subfamily Sarcophaginae (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) are wellknown for their complex and distinctive phalli. Species are recognized bythe shape of the phallus, new species are described on the basis of thephallus, and most of the evolutionary hypotheses and much of the higherclassification of the Sarcophaginae has been based on the morphology ofthe phallus. A question that has not been adequately investigated noranswered is “why do these males have such extravagant phalli?” Thisinvestigation examines the possibility of sexual selection through femalechoice acting on the shape of the male phallus. Of course, if females domake choices of suitable mating partners based (at least in part) on theshape of the phallus, they need to have sensory structures that would allowsuch discrimination. The genital openings and vaginal chambers of avariety of female Sarcophaginae were examined for evidence of tactilereceptors, with the aid of a scanning electron microscope. These are theonly areas that would come in direct contact with the male’s exposedphallus during mating. Some ramifications of the presence or absence ofsensory structures in these parts of the female reproductive system will bediscussed.Key Words: Sarcophagidae, sexual selection, reproductive morphology∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗53