Evidence for an antiaphrodisiac in the sweat bee Lasioglossum (Dialictus) zephyrum

Abstract

Male Lasioglossum (Dialictus) zephyrum in the field are attracted to models impregnated with the odor of virgin females. The number of males responding increases with increasing odor concentration. Once a male has contacted a model, its attractiveness to other males is reduced, suggesting that the male may contribute an antiaphrodisiac cue so that other males avoid mated females.