Mating preferences in many animals diverge between incipient species and cause reproductive isolation. Because sexual isolation is a result of divergence in mating preferences and sexual cues, its effect on speciation is drastic. The relative importance of sexual selection in speciation remains a major question. Our research aims to evaluate the preferred secondary sexual traits among females and males in Drosophila athabasca. By examining courtship songs, cuticular hydrocarbons, and morphological data, we gain insights into male and female preferences, and whether sexual selection is driven only by females, males or both. This will enhance our understanding on what secondary sexual traits influence copulation within species, and thus, possible causes behind the divergence between certain species. We gathered data on sexual traits between flies successful in courtships and copulation versus those that failed to mate. By connecting traits involved in sexual selection to those involved in sexual isolation will determine the role, if any, of sexual selection in speciation.
