Endo- and ectoparasitism aggregates to specific host species

What is it about?

We wanted to assess whether the endo- and ectoparasites of different damselfly and dragonfly species are associated among the host species. We collected a large database with parasitism records of different host species and analyzed the pattern using phylogenetic approach. We found that most of the damselfly and dragonfly species have both endo- and ectoparasites rather than one or neither. We also found that the endo- and ectoparasitism of a host species is associated, meaning that in a host species the high parasite prevalence of endoparasites is likely matched with a high ectoparasitism.

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Why is it important?

This is the first study to assess the general pattern of endo- and ectoparasitism using a large number of closely related insect hosts. This study also evaluates whether these two parasite prevalences are associated with each other in this particular insect order. We also highlight the lack of knowledge in several parts in parasitism studies, insect studies and how odonates are infected by parasites.

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