Abstract
Labile traits, such as behavioural, physiological traits or body mass,
exhibit variation within an individual either over time or across
environments. Such changes within an individual can be linked across
traits, forming within-individual trait correlations. These correlations
are particularly expected when ageing causes changes in the expression
of multiple traits. The direction of these correlations also depends on
mechanisms explaining age-related changes in each traits, such as
physiological deterioration or changes in future fitness expectations.
Therefore, assessing within-individual trait correlations offers
insights into the trait-specific ageing patterns, their integration and
age-related reproductive strategies. Here, we tracked individual male
cicadas (Tettigetta isshikii) in their natural habitat, repeatedly
assessing their plant use (narrow vs. wide-leafed), calling activity,
and body mass. Results revealed that male cicadas lost mass, increased
calling activity and a preference for narrow-leafed plants as they aged.
This integration of age-related plasticity led to negative
within-individual correlations between body mass and behaviours. The
asset protection principle could explain the age-related increase in
calling activity and the preference for narrow-leafed plants. Such an
age-related increase in energetically demanding calling activity may
also cause an age-related decrease in body mass. Considering that adult
cicadas consume nutritionally poor xylem sap, the negative
within-individual correlations between body mass and risk-taking
behaviour suggest that T. isshikii males follow a capital breeding
strategy rather than an income breeding strategy. Therefore, we
emphasise the importance of individual-level tracking study in the wild
to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the life-history strategies
and behavioural ecology of a study animal.