Multiple host use and the dynamics of host switching in host–parasite systems

Hovestadt, Thomas; Thomas, Jeremy A.; Mitesser, Oliver; Schonrogge, Karsten ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0122-6493. 2019 Multiple host use and the dynamics of host switching in host–parasite systems [in special issue: Conservation of co‐evolved interactions: understanding the Maculinea‐Myrmica complex] Insect Conservation and Diversity, 12 (6). 511-522. 10.1111/icad.12374

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Abstract/Summary

1. The link between multi-host use and host switching in host–parasite interactions is a continuing area of debate. Lycaenid butterflies in the genus Maculinea, for example, exploit societies of different Myrmica ant species across their ranges, but there is only rare evidence that they simultaneously utilise multiple hosts at a local site, even where alternative hosts are present. 2. We present a simple population-genetic model accounting for the proportion of two alternative hosts and the fitness of parasite genotypes on each host. In agreement with standard models, we conclude that simultaneous host use is possible whenever fitness of heterozygotes on alternative hosts is not too low. 3. We specifically focus on host-shifting dynamics when the frequency of hosts changes. We find that (i) host shifting may proceed so rapidly that multiple host use is unlikely to be observed, (ii) back and forth transition in host use can exhibit a hysteresis loop, (iii) the parasites’ host use may not be proportional to local host frequencies and be restricted to the rarer host under some conditions, and (iv) that a substantial decline in parasite abundance may typically precede a shift in host use. 4. We conclude that focusing not just on possible equilibrium conditions but also considering the dynamics of host shifting in non-equilibrium situations may provide added insights into host–parasite systems.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1111/icad.12374
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Biodiversity (Science Area 2017-)
ISSN:	1752-458X
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link
Additional Keywords:	host–parasite interaction, Maculinea butterfly, Myrmica ant, non-equilibrium dynamics, population genetics
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	22 Aug 2019 16:28 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/524842

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