Despite genetic isolation in sympatry, post-copulatory reproductive barriers have not evolved between bat- and human-associated common bedbugs (Cimex lectularius L.).

ABSTRACT:

Background

The common bedbug Cimex lectularius is a widespread ectoparasite on humans and bats. Two genetically isolated lineages, parasitizing either human (HL) or bat (BL) hosts, have been suggested to differentiate because of their distinct ecology. The distribution range of BL is within that of HL and bedbugs live mostly on synanthropic bat hosts. This sympatric co-occurrence predicts strong reproductive isolation at the post-copulatory level.

Results

We tested the post-copulatory barrier in three BL and three HL populations in reciprocal crosses, using a common-garden blood diet that was novel to both lineages. We excluded pre-copulation isolation mechanisms and studied egg-laying rates after a single mating until the depletion of sperm, and the fitness of the resulting

SUBMITTER: Sasinkova M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10636883 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature