Observational study reveals dual fertilization sites dictate paternity success in Doryteuthis pleii, highlighting how spatial context shapes reproductive tactics.
Key Points
To investigate how dual fertilization sites (oviduct opening vs. buccal membrane) and mating tactics influence paternity success and sperm competition in the squid Doryteuthis pleii.
Examined male fertilization success and sperm competition dynamics associated with alternative reproductive tactics in the loliginid squid Doryteuthis pleii.
Assessed paternity outcomes based on sperm presence across two distinct anatomical sites: internal (oviduct opening, consort tactic) and external (buccal membrane, sneaker tactic).
Sperm placed at the oviduct opening monopolizes fertilization when spawning females possess sperm at both the internal and external sites.
When internal oviduct sperm is absent, last-male sperm precedence dictates paternity among sneaker males whose sperm is stored at the buccal membrane.