Copulatory and postcopulatory displays

Definition

Stereotyped visual, acoustic, tactile, or chemical signals performed by males or females during or immediately after mating that function to facilitate genital coupling, reduce cannibalism or aggression, transfer accessory gland products, or influence sperm competition outcomes. Copulatory displays occur during intromission and often involve leg tapping, abdomen vibration, or antennal stroking; postcopulatory displays follow sperm transfer and may include prolonged embrace, nuptial gift presentation, or mate guarding that prevents rival insemination or predation.

Etymology

From Latin copulare (to join together) and post- (after), with display from Old French despleier (to unfold, show)

Example

In the wolf spider *Hogna helluo*, males perform vigorous pedipalp drumming during copulation that suppresses female aggression; postcopulatory displays include remaining mounted for 30–60 minutes, during which the male's physical presence reduces the female's likelihood of remating with subsequent suitors and thus protects his ejaculate from sperm competition.

Synonyms

• courtship continuation displays
• mating maintenance behaviors

Related Terms

• courtship behavior
• sperm competition
• cryptic female choice
• Nuptial gift
• mate guarding
• sexual cannibalism
• copulatory plug
• genital coupling
• reproductive isolation

Usage Notes

Distinguish from precopulatory courtship, which precedes genital contact. Postcopulatory displays are increasingly recognized as extensions of sexual selection operating after sperm transfer, particularly in spiders and insects where females store sperm and exercise cryptic choice. The term 'display' here encompasses non-visual modalities (vibration, chemical trails) common in arthropods. Some researchers restrict 'postcopulatory display' to behaviors within minutes of mating, separating longer-term mate guarding as a distinct category.