Mating Asymmetries and Phylogeny in the Drosophila melanogaster Species Complex

Abstract

The propensities for interspecific courtship and mating among the four species of the Drosophila melanogaster species complex were studied to examine Kaneshiro's hypothesis relating asymmetrical interspecific mating to the direction of phylogeny. Strong asymmetries were revealed, especially involving the ability of sechellia and mauritiana males to inseminate simulans females. A possible basis for these asymmetries involving partial mechanical isolation is proposed. The relationship to phylogeny, if any, remains unclear.