Parasite species co-occurrence patterns on Peromyscus: Joint species distribution modelling

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Parasitology
• Zoology

Background:

• Hosts frequently harbor multiple parasite species, leading to questions about co-occurrence patterns.
• Distinguishing between habitat requirements and species interactions in parasite communities is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze ectoparasite co-occurrence patterns on deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus).
• To determine if observed associations are driven by biotic interactions or host/parasite traits.
• To experimentally test the impact of a specific flea removal on other ectoparasites.

Main Methods:

• Joint species distribution modeling was used to analyze infestation patterns of fleas, mites, and botflies.
• Experimental removal of the flea Orchopeas leucopus was conducted on a subset of deer mice.
• Prevalence data for other ectoparasite species were compared between control and experimental groups.

Main Results:

• A negative association between the mite Neotrombicula microti and the botfly Cuterebra sp. suggests a biotic interaction.
• The flea Orchopeas leucopus showed varied associations, influenced by host or parasite traits.
• Experimental flea removal did not significantly alter the prevalence of other ectoparasite species.

Conclusions:

• Parasite communities can exhibit complex species associations beyond simple aggregation.
• Both biotic interactions and host/parasite traits influence ectoparasite community structure.
• Findings challenge the assumption that ectoparasites always aggregate on small mammal hosts.