Mc. Lorenzi et G. Sella, Is individual recognition involved in the maintenance of pair bonds in Ophryotrocha diadema (Dorvilleidae Polychaeta)?, ETHOL ECOL, 12(2), 2000, pp. 197-202
Ophryotrocha diadema is a simultaneous hermaphroditic worm whose peculiar m
ating system involves forming pairs within which partners exchange eggs rep
eatedly in a kind of serial monogamy. To test whether direct recognition of
the former partner exists in this species we checked whether two familiar
partners, after a short separation, spawned again without engaging in a new
courtship. In contrast, non-familiar partners were expected to invest a lo
nger time in courtship before spawning again. Results indicate that no dire
ct individual recognition of a former mate exists and that only indirect cu
es are used to identify former partners.