Ant behaviour and brain gene expression of defending hosts depend on the ecological success of the intruding social parasite

• DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0192
• Publication Date: 2019-02-11T08:05:38Z
• Authors: Rajbir Kaur; Marah Stoldt; Evelien Jongepier; Barbara Feldmeyer; Florian Menzel; Erich Bornberg-Bauer; Susanne Foitzik
• Keywords: Coevolution; Genetic Fitness

The geographical mosaic theory of coevolution predicts that species interactions vary between locales. Depending on who leads the coevolutionary arms race, effectivity parasite attack or host defence strategies will explain prevalence. Here, we compare behaviour and brain transcriptomes Temnothorax longispinosus ant workers when defending their nest against an invading social parasite, slavemaking americanus. A full-factorial design allowed us to test whether gene expression are linked pressure populations ecological success populations. Albeit defences had been shown before covary with local pressure, found be much more important. Our chemical behavioural analyses revealed parasites from high prevalence sites carry lower concentrations recognition cues less often attacked by hosts. This link was further supported analysis. study reveals host-parasite strongly influenced strategies, so variation in is determined traits rather than efficacy defence. Gene functions associated indicated strong neuronal responses hosts, including long-term changes regulation, indicating enduring impact behaviour. article part theme issue 'The biology brood parasitism: mechanism pattern'.