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Vulnerability of bot fly (Cuterebra) infected Peromyscus maniculatus to shorttail weasel predation in the laboratory
Abstract:
In the laboratory, Peromyscus bearing a single Cuterebra larva are no more vulnerable to weasel predation than are uninfected control mice, and may be taken less often under certain conditions. Mice bearing two or more larvae appear to be more vulnerable than either controls or singly infected mice. Their increased vulnerability probably results from their failure to use arboreal pathways. Decreased activity may be responsible for the relative advantage of singly infected mice. Previous reports of higher survivorship among mice with a single bot parasite than among uninfected mice, and of lower survivorship among multiply infected mice, may result in part from differential predation rates.
Insights
Mice with one Cuterebra larva are not more vulnerable to weasel predation and may even be safer. However, multiple larvae increase predation risk, likely due to altered behavior and habitat use.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Animal Behavior
- Parasitology
Background:
- Predation is a significant factor influencing animal survival.
- Parasitic infections can alter host behavior and vulnerability.
- Cuterebra larvae are common botflies affecting rodents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Cuterebra larval infections on Peromyscus predation risk.
- To determine if single versus multiple infections differentially affect vulnerability to weasel predation.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory experiments comparing predation rates on infected and uninfected Peromyscus mice.
- Observation of mouse behavior, including habitat use (arboreal pathways) and activity levels.
Main Results:
- Mice with a single Cuterebra larva showed no increased vulnerability to weasel predation; some conditions even reduced predation.
- Mice with two or more Cuterebra larvae exhibited increased vulnerability compared to controls and singly infected mice.
- Increased vulnerability in multiply infected mice was linked to reduced use of arboreal pathways and decreased activity.
Conclusions:
- Single Cuterebra infections may offer a relative survival advantage through decreased activity, potentially reducing predation.
- Multiple Cuterebra infections significantly increase predation risk in Peromyscus mice, primarily due to behavioral changes.
- Differential predation rates likely contribute to previously reported variations in survivorship between singly and multiply infected mice.