Exploitation of manipulators: 'hitch-hiking' as a parasite transmission strategy
Article Abstract:
The influence of a number of variables on the potential benefits for a nonmanipulative parasite actively seeking a ride to the definitive host with a manipulative parasite is examined to elucidate the evolution of the hitch-hiking strategy. The latter is a cheating strategy wherein parasites exploit hosts already manipulated to ensure their transmission without the costs of manipulation. Simple mathematical models used indicate that the prevalence or abundance of manipulative parasites will be a key factor for determining whether hitch-hiking can be a viable option for other parasites.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Policing behavior towards virgin egg layers in a polygynous ponerine ant
Article Abstract:
Worker policing in Gnamptogenys menadensis ants was investigated by creating groups comprising solely virgin workers. Virgin workers lay morphologically specialized trophic eggs which are fed to larvae. There are three distinct patterns of oogenesis resulting in trophic eggs, reproductive eggs laid by virgin workers and reproductive eggs laid by gamergates. Gamergates were temporarily excluded and when reintroduced sterile workers attacked workers with enlarged ovaries. Gamergates were not aggressive to new egg layers.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 1999
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Specialized parasitoid attracted to a pheromone of ants
Article Abstract:
Workers from seven ant colonies in Costa Rica were observed. Apocephalus paraponerae ants were observed to be attracted to two pheromones produced in the mandibular glands of workers of the giant tropical ant Paraponera clavata. The substances seem to be released by freshly-killed, injured, fighting or disturbed workers, but are not in sufficient amounts (singularly or combined) to trigger alarm behavior in nest mates.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Red howling monkeys use of specific defecation sites as a parasite avoidance strategy. Nest site selection in leatherbacks, Dermochelys coriacea: Individual patterns and their consequences
- Abstracts: Manipulation of an atomic beam by a computer-generated hologram. Holography with X-rays
- Abstracts: Strategy for rapid immobilization of prey by a fish-hunting marine snail. Metallothionein in snail Cd and Cu metabolism
- Abstracts: Function of pipistrelle social calls: field data and a playback experiment
- Abstracts: Manipulation of an atomic beam by a computer-generated hologram. part 2 Synthesis and structural characterization of an Al77 cluster