"Parasite-induced aposematism" protects entomopathogenic nematode parasites against invertebrate enemies.

ABSTRACT: Aposematism is a well-known strategy in which prey defend themselves from predation by pairing defenses such as toxins, with warning signals that are often visually conspicuous color patterns. Here, we examine the possibility that aposematism can be induced in a host by colonies of infectious parasites in order to protect the parasites from the consequences of attacks on the host. Earlier studies show that avian predators are reluctant to feed on carcasses of host prey that are infected with the entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. As the age of infection increases, the parasites kill and preserve the host and subsequently cause its color to change, becoming bright pink then red. Nematode colonies in dead hosts may also be vulnerable, however, to nocturnally act

SUBMITTER: Jones RS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4797382 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar-Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature