Ionizing radiation alters male Acheta domesticus courtship songs that are critical for mating success

The impact of ionizing radiation on overall ecosystem health has become a topic of great interest in recent years due to both several nuclear disasters as well as the growing concern over the normal operating waste associated with nuclear power sites. Here, we aimed to analyse how radiation impacts essential characteristics of invertebrate sexual communication including acoustic signalling and the subsequent impacts to mating success. Specifically, we looked at adult male crickets (Acheta domesticus) courtship songs, which are vital for this species’ successful reproduction. We analysed the spectral and temporal patterns of nonirradiated and irradiated male songs (0–12 Gy at the fourth instar) as well as several mating parameters to determine possible impacts of song variation on male mating success. Results indicate alterations of several song parameters in irradiated males, with most variation occurring in low-frequency trills: peak and mean frequency, length of pulse and average entropy were significantly altered in doses 7 Gy and above. Mating success at these doses (7 Gy, 10 Gy, 12 Gy) was consequently significantly impacted, with other mating parameters being only significantly altered at the highest radiation doses. Declines in mating parameters were evident at lower doses but were not significant. Here we show that radiation exposure in early stages of development can result in detrimental impacts to vital components of male acoustic signalling, which may be a key or contributing factor to the evident reduction in the ability of males to mate successfully. These impacts are also vital in understanding the potential impact of radiation contamination sites where populations are being chronically exposed over many generations.