Work

Patterns of feather mite (Acariformes: Astigmata) prevalence and load in a promiscuous bird during the breeding season

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: (Mesostigmata). Our findings indicate that the mating system may affect symbiont variability between and within host species. The high prevalence of feather mites on adult birds at the late stage of the breeding season supports the hypothesis that promiscuous species have high infestation levels. Greater mite loads on Aquatic Warbler females than males reveal a different pattern from previously studied birds. However, we did not identify any consequences of mite infestation for the female body condition or current breeding success; hence, the apparently commensal relationship does not imply costs of female promiscuity.

Source: International Journal for Parasitology Parasites and Wildlife

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.101008

Authors: Joanna Wołoszkiewicz, Jacek Dabert, Sandra Kaźmierczak, Janusz Kloskowski

Institutions: Poznań University of Life Sciences, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań

Language: English

Topic: Bird parasitology and diseases

Subfield: Parasitology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,930

Funder: Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Poznaniu