In Dung Beetles, Males Utilize Two Distinct Mating Approaches

Essay

In dung beetles, males utilize two distinct mating approaches. Large males produce horns that are used in male-male competition for resources and access to females. Small males, however, lack horns and instead try to sneak by the large males to reach females. Adult body size, horn length, and mating approach are influenced by the nutritional conditions that larvae experience. Is this an example of behavioral polyphenism or behavioral polymorphism? Explain.