Timing of infestation influences virulence and parasite success in a dynamic multi-host-parasite interaction between the invasive parasite, Philornis downsi, and Darwin's finches.

ABSTRACT: Recently commenced host-parasite interactions provide an excellent opportunity to study co-evolutionary processes. Multi-host systems are especially informative because variation in virulence between hosts and temporal changes provides insight into evolutionary dynamics. However, empirical data under natural conditions are scarce. In the present study, we investigated the interaction between Darwin's finches and the invasive fly Philornis downsi whose larvae feed on the blood of nestlings. Recently, however, the fly has changed its behavior and now also attacks incubating females. Two sympatric hosts are affected differently by the parasite and parasite load has changed over time. Our study observed a reversal of trends described two decades ago: while, currently, small tree finches (Camar

SUBMITTER: Cimadom A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7882474 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature