The cost of living in larger primate groups includes higher fly densities

Area of Science:

• Primate ecology
• Disease ecology
• Zoology

Background:

• Flies are known vectors for numerous primate pathogens.
• Understanding factors influencing fly-primate interactions is crucial for disease transmission studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how fly associations differ across six monkey species.
• To determine if monkey group size affects fly densities and potential pathogen transmission.

Main Methods:

• Observational study across six distinct monkey species.
• Quantified fly densities in relation to primate group size and location (inside vs. outside groups).

Main Results:

• Fly densities were higher within monkey groups compared to outside.
• Larger monkey groups exhibited significantly higher fly densities.
• The positive correlation between group size and fly density was most pronounced in colobine monkeys, possibly due to their restricted movement patterns.

Conclusions:

• Monkey group size is a significant factor influencing fly densities.
• Increased fly associations in larger groups may represent a potential cost of sociality for primates.
• Movement patterns, such as home range size, may mediate fly-primate associations.