When allowed, females prefer novel males in the polygynous subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum (tuco-tuco)

The ability to recognize familiar conspecifics plays an important role at the time of choosing a mating partner in rodents. A laboratory study using preference test was used in order to test the hypothesis that, in the polygynous subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum, females prefer novel males when offered two odors, or individuals (one familiar and one novel) limited in their movements so that male aggression is prevented. Our findings show that females prefer novel tuco-tucos at three levels of male assessment: odor samples (consisting of shavings soiled with urine, feces, and presumably, other body secretions collected from the male home cage), confined males behind a wire mesh, and full contact with tethered males. Previous studies of this species demonstrated that in the wild, male–male competition and male coercion severely limit the possibility of females mating non-neighbors, i.e. novel males. Females mating neighbors to whom they are familiarized, obtain high quality mating since they are territorial, highly competitive males. Nonetheless, when females have the opportunity, as shown in the two-choice experiments, they choose novel males, probably benefiting their progeny from novel genetic combinations. Hence, combining evidence from laboratory and field studies in C. talarum, it is possible to better understand female preferences in modeling individual reproductive strategies.

► We use preference tests to assess if female tuco-tucos prefer familiar males at 3 levels of assessment: male odors, confined males, and tethered males.
► Females investigated both males, but they preferred novel males at all levels of assessment.
► Previous studies in the wild indicated that females are limited to exert their mating preferences due to male-male competition and male coercion.
► However, this study shows that when allowed, females may gain by mating with novel males.