Impact of life stage-dependent dispersal on the colonization dynamics of host patches by ticks and tick-borne infectious agents.

ABSTRACT:

Background

When colonization and gene flow depend on host-mediated dispersal, a key factor affecting vector dispersal potential is the time spent on the host for the blood meal, a characteristic that can vary strongly among life history stages. Using a 2-patch vector-pathogen population model and seabird ticks as biological examples, we explore how vector colonization rates and the spread of infectious agents may be shaped by life stage-dependent dispersal. We contrast hard (Ixodidae) and soft (Argasidae) tick systems, which differ strongly in blood- feeding traits.

Results

We find that vector life history characteristics (i.e. length of blood meal) and demographic constraints (Allee effects) condition the colonization potential of ticks; hard ticks, which take a single, lon

SUBMITTER: Kada S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5544987 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature