Are sexes equally parasitized in damselflies and dragonflies

摘要: Parasitism plays an essential part in ecology and evolution of host species understanding the reasons for differential parasitism within among hosts is therefore important. Among very important factors potentially affecting gender host. Here, we studied whether either females or males are more likely to harbour parasites Odonatan insects, by relying on extensive literature review new field data. We collected data numerous dragonfly damselfly their ectoparasites (water mites) endoparasites (gregarines) examine generality similarities differences prevalence, intensity maximum number male female hosts. found three main results. Firstly, most odonate showed no between sexes gregarine water mite prevalence intensity. The only exception was damselflies’ higher compared conspecific males. These inequalities may be due behavioral physiological females. In comparison, there were dragonflies Secondly, damselflies had levels both dragonflies. Finally, a strong level pattern parasitism: certain one sex matched with similar other. This indicates exposure susceptibility sexes. Even though significant parasite observed species, our results strongly suggest that general parasitized does not exist order, Odonata.