Females did not prefer larger males directly. We assessed male dominance rank and recorded survival times after mating. We established nesting groups of males in captivity and conducted mate choice trials in which males from nesting groups either could or could not interact. We tested if there is a female preference for large males, a female preference for dominant males, if larger males compete more effectively for mates, and if there is a survival advantage for large males during the mating season. We investigated four possible mechanisms that might explain this large-male reproductive advantage. Brown antechinuses ( Antechinus stuartii) are sexually dimorphic in size, and heavier males are known to sire more offspring in the wild.

Species found preying on Mocis larvae were a Tenebrionid, Bothrotes fortis Csy., and a Carabid, Pinacodera sp.Male-biased dimorphism in body size is usually attributed to sexual selection acting on males, through either male competition or female choice. Host for wasps “Parasites reared from the pupae were not specific to any single Mocis species they comprised two Sarcophagids, three Braconids, two Chalcidids and four Ichneumonids. Larvae said to be a pest of pasture and turf grasses in Florida (source: ) Larval hosts: grasses (non-native Panicum maximum (source: Natural History Museum, London)) Superfamily Noctuoidea – Owlet Moths and kin My encounter was submitted and accepted to add this species to the Osceola county Florida checklist at

CENTRAL FLORIDA CRITTER OF THE DAY: Withered Mocis Moth (Mocis marcida)

Ornatrix how to collapse