Host propagation permits extreme local adaptation in a social parasite of ants

摘要: The Red Data Book hoverfly species Microdon mutabilis is an extreme specialist that parasitises ant societies. flies are locally adapted to a single host, Formica lemani, more intimately than was thought possible in host-parasite systems. egg survival plummeted F. lemani colonies > 3 km away from the natal nest, c. 96% 0% < 50%, depending on population. This reflected life-time dispersal of females, measured at 2 m, resulting oviposition back into same nests for generation after generation. To counter destabilizing effects manipulates social dynamics by feeding selectively eggs and small larvae, which causes surviving larvae switch development queens. Infested rear double number new queens, thus propagating vulnerable local genotype compensating damage host colonies. consequences such specificity insect conservation discussed.