Termite nest evolution fostered social parasitism by termitophilous rove beetles.

ABSTRACT: Colonies of social insects contain large amounts of resources often exploited by specialized social parasites. Although some termite species host numerous parasitic arthropod species, called termitophiles, others host none. The reason for this large variability remains unknown. Here, we report that the evolution of termitophily in rove beetles is linked to termite nesting strategies. We compared one-piece nesters, whose entire colony life is completed within a single wood piece, to foraging species, which exploit multiple physically separated food sources. Our epidemiological model predicts that characteristics related to foraging (e.g., extended colony longevity and frequent interactions with other colonies) increase the probability of parasitism by termitophiles. We tested our prediction

SUBMITTER: Mizumoto N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9311137 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature