Table S1 - Males of a Strongly Polygynous Species Consume More Poisonous Food than Females

Hypotheses about the potential function of blister beetle consumption in great bustards. Hypotheses were grouped by selective processes: natural selection and sexual selection. The nutritional value hypothesis explains consumption of blister beetles based on their large size, low mobility and short handling time (i.e., high rate of net energy intake). The predator deterrence hypothesis suggests that great bustards may incorporate cantharidin in their tissues to become toxic to predators. The self-medication hypothesis poses a health benefit to the consumer. The sexual selection mechanism hypothesis suggests an indicator function based on the observed male-biased blister beetle consumption and male cloaca inspection by females. All hypotheses predict blister beetles are ingested, but differ in the amount ingested. (DOCX)