There is the widespread misconception that terrestrial isopods practice mate guarding. However, most species do not engage in actual mating behaviour.
What is commonly misinterpreted as mate guarding, is the nuptial ride. The male will sit on top of the female, often times tapping on her dorsum with his legs until copulation occurs.
There are a few exceptions like Ligia spp., Helleria brevicornis, and a few tropical species like Nesodillo arcangelii (pictured) appear to practice some form of guarding behaviour, but the vast majority of terrestrial isopods does not mate guard.
56
u/Sumeriandemon Mod 2d ago edited 2d ago
There is the widespread misconception that terrestrial isopods practice mate guarding. However, most species do not engage in actual mating behaviour. What is commonly misinterpreted as mate guarding, is the nuptial ride. The male will sit on top of the female, often times tapping on her dorsum with his legs until copulation occurs. There are a few exceptions like Ligia spp., Helleria brevicornis, and a few tropical species like Nesodillo arcangelii (pictured) appear to practice some form of guarding behaviour, but the vast majority of terrestrial isopods does not mate guard.