Polyandry

Definition

A mating system in which one female mates with multiple males during a single breeding season or reproductive episode, with males typically providing no parental care. Polyandry contrasts with monandry (single mating) and polygyny (one male, multiple females). In insects and arachnids, polyandry is common and often involves sperm competition, cryptic female choice, or nuptial gift exchange. Forms include classical polyandry (females paired to multiple males simultaneously, rare in arthropods) and sequential polyandry (females remating with different males, widespread).

Etymology

Greek poly- (many) + anēr, andros (man, male)

Example

Female honey bees (Apis mellifera) mate with 10–20 drones during a single nuptial flight, storing sperm for years; this extreme polyandry promotes colony-level genetic diversity and disease resistance. In some crab spiders (Thomisidae), females mate multiply despite producing only one clutch, likely to secure superior sperm or nutritional nuptial gifts.

Synonyms

• multiple mating (female)
• multimale mating

Related Terms

• Polygyny
• monandry
• promiscuity
• sperm competition
• cryptic female choice
• Nuptial gift
• lek polygyny
• polygynandry
• mating system

Usage Notes

Distinguish from 'polygyny' (male with multiple females) and 'polygynandry' (both sexes mate multiply). In arthropod literature, 'polyandry' often implies sequential rather than simultaneous pairings. Some researchers reserve 'polyandry' for social systems with male parental care (rare in insects) and use 'multiple mating' or 'female promiscuity' for taxa lacking male investment; usage varies by discipline. The term does not imply paternity certainty or social bonding unless specified.