Lectin binding to surface glycoproteins on Coullana spp. (Copepoda: Harpacticoida) can inhibit mate guarding

We tested the hypothesis that surface glycoproteins found on Coullana spp. are important signals in contact mate-recognition. Female copepodifes (mostly molt-stage V) of Coullana canadensis (Maryland) and Coullana sp. (Florida) were treated with 0.1 mg ml^-1 of four lectins that represent a variety of carbohydrate affinities. The females were then washed and exposed to males. Binding of some lectins significantly reduced the ability of males to recognize potential mates and initiate precopulatory mate guarding. Other lectin treatments had no significant effect on this behavior. These data show that surface glycoproteins on female Coullana spp. are important mating signals for males in the recognition of conspecifics. Our results also suggest that differences in chemical signals among these sibling species may have evolved.