Size-related fecundity and assortative mating in Diapheromera veliei (Phasmatodea: Heteronemiidae)

The relationships between body size, fecundity, and assortative mating were examined in a population of Diapheromera veliei (Walsh) in central New Mexico. Heavier females carried more eggs and larger eggs than lighter females. There were no differences in body size between paired and solitary males, but paired females were significantly longer in total length than solitary females. There was a positive correlation between egg number and egg size, even after the effects of female body size were removed. Evidence for positive assortative mating by mass occurs, and we suggest that this is predominantly a result of male choice, with females either lacking choice or passively choosing dominant males.