Abstract
Ectoparasites such as louse flies (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) have tendency for host specialization, which is driven by adaptation to host biology as well as competition avoidance between parasites of the same host. However, some louse fly species, especially in genera attacking birds, show wide range of suitable hosts. In the presented study, we have surveyed the current status of bird specific louse flies in Finland to provide comprehensive host association data to analyse the ecological requirements of the generalist species. A thorough sampling of 9342 birds, representing 134 species, recovered 576 specimens of louse flies, belonging to six species: Crataerina hirundinis, C. pallida, Ornithomya avicularia, O. chloropus, O. fringillina and Ornithophila metallica. Despite some overlapping hosts, the three Ornithomya species showed a notable pattern in their host preference, which was influenced not only by the host size but also by the habitat and host breeding strategy. We also provide DNA barcodes for ten Finnish species of Hippoboscidae, which can be used as a resource for species identification as well as metabarcoding studies in the future.
Highlights
Parasites depend on their hosts as their principal ecological niche as well as source of the essential resources [1]
A total of 576 bird fly specimens were collected by the bird ringers, representing six louse fly species (S1 and S2 Tables)
The remaining three generalist species, Ornithomya avicularia (n = 105), O. chloropus (n = 339) and O. fringillina (n = 108), showed considerable variation in their host preference, totalling 67 different bird species, when the host records from Korkeasaari zoo bird shelter are taken into account (S1 and S2 Tables, Fig 1B)
Summary
Parasites depend on their hosts as their principal ecological niche as well as source of the essential resources [1]. Due to this intimate relationship, parasites commonly tend to specialize on the host, adapting to the host defence strategies, behaviour and ecology. Due to the selection pressures and short generation time, parasites are prone to evolve rapidly, helping them to circumvent potential evolutionary advantages that the host has gained [2] and facilitating the specialization process. Additional pressure for host specialization is driven by direct or interference competition between different parasite species occupying the same host [6]. Spatial segregation, which can allow the parasites to coexist on the same host can lead to intrahost speciation, as seen in Dactylogyrus gill parasites [7] and human lice[8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
