EFFECTS OF HOST SOCIALITY ON ECTOPARASITE POPULATION BIOLOGY

• DOI: 10.1645/ge-310r
• Publication Date: 2006-07-16T20:10:12Z
• Authors: Noah Kerness Whit...; Patricia G. Parker
• Keywords: Louse; Sociality

Theory predicts a positive relationship between parasite infection intensity and host density. However, this generalization is complicated in natural systems by differences life history among taxa, e.g., transmissibility. Accordingly, predictions relating density to load should be specific each taxon. To illustrate this, we studied parasites that differed greatly the context of Galapagos hawk's (Buteo galapagoensis) variably cooperative mating system. Two louse (Phthiraptera) species were collected: Colpocephalum turbinatum (Amblycera), with 53 species, Degeeriella regalis (Ischnocera), 10 although B. galapagoensis was only known host. Sixty territorial adult male hawks from 26 groups 1–6 males quantitatively sampled for lice. Average abundance C. but not D. significantly larger large than small groups. Males same polyandrous group harbored correlated abundances regalis. Prevalence, average abundance, higher These are first results demonstrate significant suite population responses these suborders sociality.