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Amaral HLDC, Bergmann FB, Santos PRS, Remião MH, Krüger RF, Silveira T. Distribution of phoretic mites and lice in Pseudolynchia canariensis living on pigeons and the relationship with seasonality, carrier sex, plumage coloration and age of definitive hosts. Acta Trop 2024; 249:107068. [PMID: 37951328 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Among the parasites, some groups that have a limited capacity for locomotion, such as mites and lice, the transmission is challenging to win. These ectoparasites disperse through direct contact between hosts or, in some cases, through phoresy. However, these processes are not well-documented in detail because they are difficult to observe and quantify. In the present study, the patterns of distribution of skin mites and phoretic lice on hippoboscid louse fly Pseudolynchia canariensis sampled from Columba livia were evaluated. The analyzed pigeons were juveniles and adults, with three distinct plumage colors: blue checker, spread, or wild type, and were caught over 24 months. A total of 1,381 hippoboscid flies were collected on 377 hosts. The plumage color did not influence the infestation patterns of louse flies on juvenile and adult pigeons, nor did it influence the infestation patterns of skin mites and phoretic lice on the hippoboscid flies. However, the environmental temperature was directly related to higher prevalence, mean infestation intensity, and phoretic species richness on P. canariensis during the hottest seasons. Furthermore, a higher abundance of phoretic mite eggs, including embryonated eggs, was observed in females of P. canariensis in all seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Leonardo da Cunha Amaral
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Av. Eliseu Maciel, s/n, Instituto de Biologia: Travessa André Dreyfus, s/n - Prédio 19, Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul CEP: 96010-610, Brazil.
| | - Fabiane Borba Bergmann
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biodiversidade Animal, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana Härter Remião
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Ferreira Krüger
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Av. Eliseu Maciel, s/n, Instituto de Biologia: Travessa André Dreyfus, s/n - Prédio 19, Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul CEP: 96010-610, Brazil
| | - Tony Silveira
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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2
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Matthews AE, Wijeratne AJ, Sweet AD, Hernandes FA, Toews DPL, Boves TJ. Dispersal-Limited Symbionts Exhibit Unexpectedly Wide Variation in Host Specificity. Syst Biol 2023; 72:802-819. [PMID: 36960591 DOI: 10.1093/sysbio/syad014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A fundamental aspect of symbiotic relationships is host specificity, ranging from extreme specialists associated with only a single host species to generalists associated with many different species. Although symbionts with limited dispersal capabilities are expected to be host specialists, some are able to associate with multiple hosts. Understanding the micro- and macro-evolutionary causes of variations in host specificity is often hindered by sampling biases and the limited power of traditional evolutionary markers. Here, we studied feather mites to address the barriers associated with estimates of host specificity for dispersal-limited symbionts. We sampled feather mites (Proctophyllodidae) from a nearly comprehensive set of North American breeding warblers (Parulidae) to study mite phylogenetic relationships and host-symbiont codiversification. We used pooled-sequencing (Pool-Seq) and short-read Illumina technology to interpret results derived from a traditional barcoding gene (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1) versus 11 protein-coding mitochondrial genes using concatenated and multispecies coalescent approaches. Despite the statistically significant congruence between mite and host phylogenies, mite-host specificity varies widely, and host switching is common regardless of the genetic marker resolution (i.e., barcode vs. multilocus). However, the multilocus approach was more effective than the single barcode in detecting the presence of a heterogeneous Pool-Seq sample. These results suggest that presumed symbiont dispersal capabilities are not always strong indicators of host specificity or of historical host-symbiont coevolutionary events. A comprehensive sampling at fine phylogenetic scales may help to better elucidate the microevolutionary filters that impact macroevolutionary processes regulating symbioses, particularly for dispersal-limited symbionts. [Codiversification; cophylogenetics; feather mites; host switching; pooled sequencing; species delineation; symbiosis, warblers.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Alix E Matthews
- College of Sciences and Mathematics and Molecular Biosciences Program, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, USA
| | - Asela J Wijeratne
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, USA
| | - Andrew D Sweet
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, USA
| | - Fabio A Hernandes
- Department of Ecology and Zoology, CCB/ECZ, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Trindade, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - David P L Toews
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Than J Boves
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, USA
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3
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Halliday RB. Prelude to a study of the feather mites of Australia (Acariformes: Astigmata). Zootaxa 2023; 5280:1-73. [PMID: 37518754 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5280.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
This paper reviews the state of knowledge of the feather mites of Australia (Arachnida: Acariformes: Astigmata). The known fauna includes 149 species arranged in 95 genera and 24 families, in the Superfamilies Analgoidea and Pterolichoidea. A checklist of the fauna is provided, including bibliographic details for every species and genus. The bird host and collecting localities are listed for every species, and taxonomic and nomenclatural problems are discussed where necessary. The total fauna may include as many as 800 undescribed species. The checklist is preceded by a brief review of some aspects of the biology of feather mites, which have not been studied in the context of the Australian fauna.The correct spelling for a family of respiratory tract parasites is confirmed as Kytoditidae. Dabertia indistincta (Dabert & Atyeo, 1993) comb. n. (Syringobiidae) and Hemialges australis (Trouessart, 1885) comb. n. (Analgidae) are new combinations proposed herein.
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4
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Peet R, Kirk A, Behnke JM. A long‐term study of temporal variation in wing feather mite (Acari: Astigmata) infestations on robins,
Erithacus rubecula
, in Nottinghamshire, UK. J Zool (1987) 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Peet
- School of Life Sciences University of Nottingham Nottingham UK
| | - A. Kirk
- Treswell Wood Integrated Population Monitoring Group Pear Tree Farm Rowthorne Derbyshire UK
| | - J. M. Behnke
- School of Life Sciences University of Nottingham Nottingham UK
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5
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Ekroth AKE, Rafaluk-Mohr C, King KC. Host genetic diversity limits parasite success beyond agricultural systems: a meta-analysis. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20191811. [PMID: 31551053 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.1811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is evidence that human activities are reducing the population genetic diversity of species worldwide. Given the prediction that parasites better exploit genetically homogeneous host populations, many species could be vulnerable to disease outbreaks. While agricultural studies have shown the devastating effects of infectious disease in crop monocultures, the widespread nature of this diversity-disease relationship remains unclear in natural systems. Here, we provide broad support that high population genetic diversity can protect against infectious disease by conducting a meta-analysis of 23 studies, with a total of 67 effect sizes. We found that parasite functional group (micro- or macroparasite) affects the presence of the effect and study setting (field or laboratory-based environment) influences the magnitude. Our study also suggests that host genetic diversity is overall a robust defence against infection regardless of host reproduction, parasite host range, parasite diversity, virulence and the method by which parasite success was recorded. Combined, these results highlight the importance of monitoring declines of host population genetic diversity as shifts in parasite distributions could have devastating effects on at-risk populations in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kayla C King
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
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6
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Doña J, Serrano D, Mironov S, Montesinos-Navarro A, Jovani R. Unexpected bird-feather mite associations revealed by DNA metabarcoding uncovers a dynamic ecoevolutionary scenario. Mol Ecol 2019; 28:379-390. [PMID: 30536745 DOI: 10.1111/mec.14968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The high relevance of host-switching for the diversification of highly host-specific symbionts (i.e., those commonly inhabiting a single host species) demands a better understanding of host-switching dynamics at an ecological scale. Here, we used DNA metabarcoding to study feather mites on passerine birds in Spain, sequencing mtDNA (COI) for 25,540 individual mites (representing 64 species) from 1,130 birds (representing 71 species). Surprisingly, 1,228 (4.8%) mites from 84 (7.4%) birds were found on host species that were not the expected to be a host according to a recent bird-feather mite associations catalog. Unexpected associations were widespread across studied mite (40.6%) and bird (43.7%) species and showed smaller average infrapopulation sizes than typical associations. Unexpected mite species colonized hosts being distantly related to the set of their usual hosts, but with similar body size. The network of bird-mite associations was modular (i.e., some groups of bird and mite species tended to be more associated with each other than with the others), with 75.9% of the unexpected associations appearing within the module of the typical hosts of the mite species. Lastly, 68.4% of mite species found on unexpected hosts showed signatures of genetic differentiation, and we found evidence for reproduction or the potential for it in many of the unexpected associations. Results show host colonization as a common phenomenon even for these putatively highly host-specific symbionts. Thus, host-switching by feather mites, rather than a rare phenomenon, appears as a relatively frequent phenomenon shaped by ecological filters such as host morphology and is revealed as a fundamental component for a dynamic coevolutionary and codiversification scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Doña
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
| | - David Serrano
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
| | - Sergey Mironov
- Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Universitetskaya Embankment 1, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alicia Montesinos-Navarro
- Centro de Investigaciones sobre Desertificación (CSIC-UV-GV), Carretera Moncada-Náquera, Valencia, Spain
| | - Roger Jovani
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
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7
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Doña J, Proctor H, Serrano D, Johnson KP, Oploo AO, Huguet‐Tapia JC, Ascunce MS, Jovani R. Feather mites play a role in cleaning host feathers: New insights from DNA metabarcoding and microscopy. Mol Ecol 2019; 28:203-218. [PMID: 29726053 PMCID: PMC6905397 DOI: 10.1111/mec.14581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Parasites and other symbionts are crucial components of ecosystems, regulating host populations and supporting food webs. However, most symbiont systems, especially those involving commensals and mutualists, are relatively poorly understood. In this study, we have investigated the nature of the symbiotic relationship between birds and their most abundant and diverse ectosymbionts: the vane-dwelling feather mites. For this purpose, we studied the diet of feather mites using two complementary methods. First, we used light microscopy to examine the gut contents of 1,300 individual feather mites representing 100 mite genera (18 families) from 190 bird species belonging to 72 families and 19 orders. Second, we used high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and DNA metabarcoding to determine gut contents from 1,833 individual mites of 18 species inhabiting 18 bird species. Results showed fungi and potentially bacteria as the main food resources for feather mites (apart from potential bird uropygial gland oil). Diatoms and plant matter appeared as rare food resources for feather mites. Importantly, we did not find any evidence of feather mites feeding upon bird resources (e.g., blood, skin) other than potentially uropygial gland oil. In addition, we found a high prevalence of both keratinophilic and pathogenic fungal taxa in the feather mite species examined. Altogether, our results shed light on the long-standing question of the nature of the relationship between birds and their vane-dwelling feather mites, supporting previous evidence for a commensalistic-mutualistic role of feather mites, which are revealed as likely fungivore-microbivore-detritivore symbionts of bird feathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Doña
- Department of Evolutionary EcologyEstación Biológica de Doñana (EBD‐CSIC)SevillaSpain
| | - Heather Proctor
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
| | - David Serrano
- Department of Conservation BiologyEstación Biológica de Doñana (EBD‐CSIC)SevillaSpain
| | - Kevin P. Johnson
- Illinois Natural History SurveyPrairie Research InstituteUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignChampaignIllinois
| | | | | | - Marina S. Ascunce
- Department of Plant PathologyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFlorida
- Emerging Pathogens InstituteUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFlorida
| | - Roger Jovani
- Department of Evolutionary EcologyEstación Biológica de Doñana (EBD‐CSIC)SevillaSpain
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8
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High diversity and low genetic structure of feather mites associated with a phenotypically variable bird host. Parasitology 2018; 145:1243-1250. [PMID: 29338798 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017002360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Obligate symbionts may be genetically structured among host individuals and among phenotypically distinct host populations. Such processes may in turn determine within-host genetic diversity of symbionts, which is relevant for understanding symbiont population dynamics. We analysed the population genetic structure of two species of feather mites (Proctophyllodes sylviae and Trouessartia bifurcata) in migratory and resident blackcaps Sylvia atricapilla that winter sympatrically. Resident and migratory hosts may provide mites with habitats of different qualities, what might promote specialization of mite populations. We found high genetic diversity of within-host populations for both mite species, but no sign of genetic structure of mites between migratory and resident hosts. Our results suggest that, although dispersal mechanisms between hosts during the non-breeding season are unclear, mite populations are not limited by transmission bottlenecks that would reduce genetic diversity among individuals that share a host. Additionally, there is no evidence that host phenotypic divergence (associated with the evolution of migration and residency) has promoted the evolution of host-specialist mite populations. Unrestricted dispersal among host types may allow symbiotic organisms to avoid inbreeding and to persist in the face of habitat heterogeneity in phenotypically diverse host populations.
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9
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Goater CP, Dyck J, Proctor H, Floate KD. Hyperparasitism of an Avian Ectoparasitic Hippoboscid Fly, Ornithomya anchineuria, by the Mite, Myialges Cf. Borealis, in Alberta, Canada. J Parasitol 2018; 104:111-116. [PMID: 29324085 DOI: 10.1645/17-171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Hippoboscid flies (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) include species that are ectoparasites of birds in the Northern Hemisphere, but little is known regarding their taxonomy, parasites, avian host associations, or geographical distribution in North America. In late August of 2013 and 2014, we collected hippoboscid flies from live birds trapped in mist nets as part of a banding study in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park in southeastern Alberta, Canada. A total of 113 birds comprising 9 species was examined in 2013. Of these, 18 individuals were infested with 1-3 Ornithomya anchineuria Speiser (n = 22 flies; prevalence = 15.9%). Eight of these flies carried 1-8 adult female epidermoptid mites anchored to their ventral, posterior abdomens. Each female was associated with clusters of up to 30 stalked eggs. The first pair of tarsi on adult female mites was highly modified as anchors, indicating permanent attachment through the host cuticle. Morphological traits identified these mites as Myialges cf. borealis Mironov, Skirnisson, Thorarinsdottier and Nielsen. Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 ( COX1) gene sequences obtained for 2 mites were distinct from those previously reported for species of Myialges, being most similar to Myialges trinotoni Cooreman. The paucity of available gene sequences for Myialges and related genera of epidermoptid mites prevents any further conclusions regarding taxonomy. These findings extend previous reports of O. anchineuria from Pacific and Atlantic coasts of Canada inland to the central migratory flyway of the Northern Great Plains and expand the limited information available for Myialges spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron P Goater
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1K 3M4
| | - Jayden Dyck
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1K 3M4
| | - Heather Proctor
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1K 3M4
| | - Kevin D Floate
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1K 3M4
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10
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How do seasonality and host traits influence the distribution patterns of parasites on juveniles and adults of Columba livia? Acta Trop 2017; 176:305-310. [PMID: 28859962 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 08/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Parasites may influence host fitness and consequently exert a selective pressure on distinct phenotypes of the host population. This pressure can result in an evolutionary response, maintaining only individuals with certain traits in the population. The present study was aimed at identifying the morphological characteristics of juveniles and adults of Columba livia that may influence the distribution patterns of lice, Pseudolynchia canariensis and Haemoproteus columbae and how the populations of these parasites vary throughout the seasons of the year. Between July 2012 and July 2014, 377 specimens of C. livia were captured. We observed a significant increase in the mean intensities of infestation by pigeon flies and lice, as well as in species richness of ectoparasites during the warmest seasons, suggesting a reproductive synchrony between ectoparasites and host species. Bill length, body mass, and body length did not affect the infestation levels of ectoparasites on adults and juveniles of C. livia with three distinct plumage colors. In juveniles, plumage color affected only the mean intensity of infestation by lice, with Spread individuals as the most infested. This indicates that melanin in feathers was not an effective barrier against ectoparasites.
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11
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Doña J, Sweet AD, Johnson KP, Serrano D, Mironov S, Jovani R. Cophylogenetic analyses reveal extensive host-shift speciation in a highly specialized and host-specific symbiont system. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2017; 115:190-196. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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12
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Stefan LM, Gómez-Díaz E, Elguero E, Proctor HC, McCoy KD, González-Solís J. Niche Partitioning of Feather Mites within a Seabird Host, Calonectris borealis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0144728. [PMID: 26650672 PMCID: PMC4682861 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
According to classic niche theory, species can coexist in heterogeneous environments
by reducing interspecific competition via niche partitioning, e.g. trophic or spatial
partitioning. However, support for the role of competition on niche partitioning
remains controversial. Here, we tested for spatial and trophic partitioning in
feather mites, a diverse and abundant group of arthropods. We focused on the two
dominant mite species, Microspalax brevipes and Zachvatkinia
ovata, inhabiting flight feathers of the Cory’s shearwater,
Calonectris borealis. We performed mite counts across and within
primary and tail feathers on free-living shearwaters breeding on an oceanic island
(Gran Canaria, Canary Islands). We then investigated trophic relationships between
the two mite species and the host using stable isotope analyses of carbon and
nitrogen on mite tissues and potential host food sources. The distribution of the two
mite species showed clear spatial segregation among feathers; M.
brevipes showed high preference for the central wing primary
feathers, whereas Z. ovata was restricted to the
two outermost primaries. Morphological differences between M.
brevipes and Z. ovata support
an adaptive basis for the spatial segregation of the two mite species. However, the
two mites overlap in some central primaries and statistical modeling showed that
Z. ovata tends to outcompete M.
brevipes. Isotopic analyses indicated similar isotopic values for
the two mite species and a strong correlation in carbon signatures between mites
inhabiting the same individual host suggesting that diet is mainly based on shared
host-associated resources. Among the four candidate tissues examined (blood, feather
remains, skin remains and preen gland oil), we conclude that the diet is most likely
dominated by preen gland oil, while the contribution of exogenous material to mite
diets is less marked. Our results indicate that ongoing competition for space and
resources plays a central role in structuring feather mite communities. They also
illustrate that symbiotic infracommunities are excellent model systems to study
trophic ecology, and can improve our understanding of mechanisms of niche
differentiation and species coexistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M. Stefan
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio) and Departament de Biologia
Animal, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- MIVEGEC Research Unit, UMR 5290, CNRS-IRD-UM, Centre IRD, Montpellier,
France
- * E-mail:
| | - Elena Gómez-Díaz
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de
Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC), Isla de La Cartuja, Sevilla,
Spain
| | - Eric Elguero
- MIVEGEC Research Unit, UMR 5290, CNRS-IRD-UM, Centre IRD, Montpellier,
France
| | - Heather C. Proctor
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta,
Canada
| | - Karen D. McCoy
- MIVEGEC Research Unit, UMR 5290, CNRS-IRD-UM, Centre IRD, Montpellier,
France
| | - Jacob González-Solís
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio) and Departament de Biologia
Animal, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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13
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da Cunha Amaral HL, Bergmann FB, Silveira T, dos Santos PRS, Krüger RF. Pseudolynchia canariensis(Diptera: Hippoboscidae): distribution pattern and phoretic association with skin mites and chewing lice ofColumba livia(Aves: Columbidae). J NAT HIST 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2013.791939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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14
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Proctor HC, Jones DN. Geographical structuring of feather mite assemblages from the Australian brush-turkey (Aves: Megapodiidae). J Parasitol 2004; 90:60-6. [PMID: 15040667 DOI: 10.1645/ge-57r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Populations of a host species may exhibit different assemblages of parasites and other symbionts. The loss of certain species of symbionts (lineage sorting, or "missing-the-boat") is a mechanism by which geographical variation in symbiont assemblages can arise. We studied feather mites and lice from Australian brush-turkeys (Aves: Megapodiidae: Alectura lathami) and expected to observe geographical structuring in arthropod assemblages for several reasons. First, because the brush-turkey is a sedentary ground-dwelling bird, we predicted that geographically close host populations should share more similar arthropod assemblages than distant ones. Second, because brush-turkeys do not brood their young, vertical transfer of arthropods is unlikely, and brush-turkeys probably acquire their mites and lice at social maturity through contact with other birds. Young birds could disperse and found new populations without carrying complete sets of symbionts. We predicted that young birds would have fewer species of arthropods than older birds; in addition, we expected that males (which are polygynous) would have more species than females. Birds were sampled from 12 sites (=populations) along the east coast of Queensland, Australia, that were separated by a distance of 12.5-2,005 km. In total, 5 species of mites from the Pterolichidae and 1 species from the Ascouracaridae were found. Two species of lice were collected but in numbers too low to be statistically useful. Differentiation of mite assemblages was evident; in particular, Leipobius sp. showed 100% prevalence in 3 host populations and 0% in the remaining 9. A dendrogram of brush-turkey populations based on mite assemblages showed 2 geographically correlated clusters of sites, plus 1 cluster that contained 2 sites near Brisbane and 1 approximately at a distance of 1,000 km. There was no strong effect of host age or sex on number of mite species carried. Horizontal transfer of feather mites by hippoboscid flies, in addition to physical contact between hosts, may play a role in homogenizing symbiont assemblages within populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather C Proctor
- Australian School of Environmental Studies, Griffith University, Nathan 4111, Queensland, Australia.
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15
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16
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Proctor HC. Feather mites (Acari: Astigmata): ecology, behavior, and evolution. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2001; 48:185-209. [PMID: 12208818 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.ento.48.091801.112725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Birds host many lineages of symbiotic mites, but the greatest diversity is shown by the three superfamilies of astigmatan feather mites: Analgoidea, Pterolichoidea, and Freyanoidea. Members of this diphyletic grouping have colonized all parts of the avian integument from their ancestral nidicolous habitat. Whereas some clearly feed on feather pith or skin, acting as parasites, other feather mites are paraphages and consume feather oils without causing structural damage. Sexual dimorphism in feather mites is often extreme, and little is known of the function of many elaborate male structures. Abundance and location of vane-dwelling mites is affected by season, temperature, light, humidity, and host body condition. Because transmission between hosts usually depends on host body contact, it is unsurprising that feather mite phylogeny often parallels host phylogeny; however, recent cladistic analyses have also found evidence of host-jumping and "missing the boat" in several mite lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather C Proctor
- Australian School of Environmental Studies, Griffith University, Nathan 4111 Queensland, Australia.
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