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Altered behavior in two species of blattid cockroaches infected with Moniliformis moniliformis (Acanthocephala)
J Moore1, M Freehling, N J Gotelli
1Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523.
Abstract:
Moniliformis moniliformis-infected Periplaneta australasiae and Blatta orientalis were less active than uninfected controls in behavioral arena tests under both red and white light regimes. There was a strong interaction between light regime and parasitism for substrate use by P. australasiae. Under red light, parasitism decreased the use of black horizontal surfaces, whereas under white light, parasitism increased the use of black horizontal surfaces. In contrast, B. orientalis substrate use was unaffected by parasitism, although infected animals were less active than uninfected conspecifics under both light regimes. For both species, parasitism did not change the percentage of time spent in light, the freeze time, or the directional response to light.
Insights
Parasitic infection by Moniliformis moniliformis reduced activity in cockroaches (Periplaneta australasiae and Blatta orientalis). Substrate use was altered by light conditions in infected P. australasiae but not B. orientalis.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Animal Behavior
- Insect Ecology
Background:
- Parasitic infections can significantly alter host behavior.
- Cockroaches are common hosts for various parasites, including Moniliformis moniliformis.
- Understanding behavioral changes is crucial for parasite transmission dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Moniliformis moniliformis parasitism on the activity and substrate use of Periplaneta australasiae and Blatta orientalis.
- To determine if light regimes influence these behavioral changes.
Main Methods:
- Behavioral arena tests were conducted on infected and uninfected cockroaches under red and white light.
- Activity levels, substrate use, time spent in light, freeze time, and directional light response were recorded.
Main Results:
- Both cockroach species showed reduced activity when infected with M. moniliformis.
- P. australasiae exhibited altered substrate use depending on light conditions: decreased use of black surfaces under red light, increased use under white light.
- B. orientalis showed no change in substrate use, but reduced activity when infected.
Conclusions:
- M. moniliformis infection significantly impacts cockroach activity.
- The effect of parasitism on substrate use is species- and light-dependent.
- Parasitism did not alter phototaxis or freezing behavior in either species.