Acanthocephalan (Oligacanthorhynchidae) parasitism of the Caribbean termite <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nasutitermes acajutlae</Emphasis>: implications for reproductive success |
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Authors: | Email author" target="_blank">C?A?FullerEmail author P?D?Jeyasingh |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Biology, Murray State University, 334 Blackburn Hall, 42020 Murray, KY, USA |
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Abstract: | Summary Few studies have examined the impact of parasitism on free-living social insects. We documented the
association between an acanthocephalan parasite and survival, reproduction and growth of a Caribbean termite
(Nasutitermes acajutlae). We measured these parameters yearly in 100 termite
colonies for 4 years. In 2001 and 2002 we also compared the rate at which parasitized and unparasitized colonies rebuilt
damaged foraging trails because trails protect foragers from predation as well as fluctuations in temperature and
humidity. Although there were no significant differences in growth or survival between parasitized and unparasitized
colonies, parasitized colonies reproduced significantly less often and rebuilt foraging trails significantly more slowly
than unparasitized colonies. The average parasitized colony may sustain a loss of alate production =30% in the year in
which it is parasitized, and a loss of up to 19% if it is parasitized once in a 5-year period. We conclude that the
acanthocephalan parasite is associated with significant alteration of fitness parameters of individual
N. acajutlae colonies. However, prevalence of parasitism is low (6.8%) and alate
production by non-parasitized colonies is likely to compensate for losses due to parasitism. Therefore, it seems
unlikely that this parasite affects N. acajutlae at the population level.Received 5 October 2003; revised 19 November 2003; accepted 3 December 2003. |
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Keywords: | Nasutitermes Acanthocephala parasite reproduction Caribbean |
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