Variability in call structure and pairing success of male field crickets, Gryllus bimaculatus: the effects of age, size and parasite load

The effects of male body size, age and gregarine parasite load on the structure of calls and success at attracting mates were investigated in a natural population of the field cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus. The syllable rate within chirps was negatively related to male size, and the duration of syllables was positively related to size. Older males had more variable syllable rates within their chirps. Size did not influence pairing success. However, paired males were significantly older than solitary calling males. Parasitic infection influenced the pairing success of young males but not old males. These data are discussed in the context of direct and indirect selection for female mating preferences.