The complex interplay between male and female mating history: a comment on Richardson and Zuk

Choosing a mate is a complex and multifaceted process (Rosenthal and Ryan 2022). Female mating status, in particular, is expected to influence their choice decisions, as reproduction is generally considered more costly and limiting for females compared to males. Therefore, previous encounters with potential suitors, as well as female mating history, should fundamentally affect both the strength and direction of female choice. In their recent meta-analysis, Richardson and Zuk (2022) explored the role of female mating status on mate choice. They found that empirical studies of female choice under a range of ecologically important scenarios are very often tested using only virgin females, resulting in an incomplete—and potentially even misleading—understanding of how female choice decisions play out in the real world. In addition, Richardson and Zuk’s (2022) review touched on the potential role of male mating behaviors in mediating the response of virgin and non-virgin females. Here, we extend on this discussion by delving more deeply into the importance of male mating status and male reproductive strategies, and how these, in turn, might interact with female mating status to affect female choice outcomes.