FACTORS INFLUENCING ECTOPARASITISM ON WESTERN FENCE LIZARDS (SCELOPORUS OCCIDENTALIS): HOST SEX, TESTOSTERONE, REPRODUCTIVE CONDITION, AND BEHAVIOR

摘要: Host-parasite relationships are one of the most common symbiotic present in a diverse array ecosystems. There numerous factors that impact dynamics these relationships. Major can influence degree parasitism include host sex, hormonal state, reproductive condition, and behavior. It has been observed several vertebrate taxa males have higher ectoparasite intensities than females with increased testosterone intensities. One potential reason for observations is concentrations elevated males, particularly during breeding season, when circulating increase become more vulnerable to ectoparasitism. Here I first tested hypothesis male western fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis) induce tick To examine this implanted either or blank implants field. The testosterone-implanted had significantly compared control males. However, contrast, mite These results consistent other studies suggesting impacts certain aspects host-parasite exact mechanism how influences parasite remains unclear. two major current hypotheses on involving immunosuppression second behavioral patterns movement. another why lizards, those high testosterone, female low parasites preferentially choose their host. Furthermore, it demonstrated vitellogenic diminished immune function could potentially lead ectoparasitism much same way does lizards. Therefore, possible preference also versus non-vitellogenic Although there few interspecific done topic no such reptiles date. three hypotheses: 1. Ticks prefer 2. normal concentrations. 3. nonvitellogenic All experiments by ticks, which suggests they will attach any suitable come across. choice experiment ticks fed faster