Two Virgin Flies

In collaboration with Ross Rudesch Harley

1080p HD video
35:15 min

Evolutionary biologist Professor Russell Bonduriansky from UNSW has been studying the dynamics and consequences of sexual conflict in this species of Neerid flies, Telostylinus angusticollis. In this case, the male has evolved a very long folded intromittent organ or aedeagus in order to be able to navigate her coiled oviduct and hard to reach her spermatheca. This process is called sexually antagonistic coevolution. She is hard to get and he adapts.

Russell wanted to see and record the process of his unfolding, so we made this short macro film, just released for the public to admire.

English