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Parasite-mediated reductions in the growth of nymphal backswimmers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

C. A. Lanciani
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
P. G. May
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611

Summary

Engorged, parasitic water mites were observed to decrease the growth rate and to increase the stadium length of nymphal backswimmers. Unengorged mites were found to have no effect on the host. The extended stadium lengths of parasitized hosts should reduce the instantaneous rate of natural increase of populations of parasitized hosts because this rate is sensitive to any factor that delays the onset of reproduction.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1982

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