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Predation of beetles (Tenebrio molitor) infected with tapeworms (Hymenolepis diminuta): a note of caution for the Manipulation Hypothesis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 March 2000

J. P. WEBSTER ,
S. GOWTAGE-SEQUEIRA ,
M. BERDOY  and
H. HURD
J. P. WEBSTER
Affiliation:
Wellcome Trust Centre for the Epidemiology of Infectious Disease (WTCEID), University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3FY, UK
S. GOWTAGE-SEQUEIRA
Affiliation:
Wellcome Trust Centre for the Epidemiology of Infectious Disease (WTCEID), University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3FY, UK
M. BERDOY
Affiliation:
University of Oxford Veterinary Services, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
H. HURD
Affiliation:
Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, School of Life Sciences, Huxley Building, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK
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Abstract

Previous laboratory studies have indicated that tenebrionid beetles infected with Hymenolepis diminuta display behavioural alterations. These are assumed to increase the likelihood of this intermediate host being predated by the Rattus sp. definitive host, and hence provide support for the Manipulation Hypothesis. We tested this hypothesis by both assessing beetle behaviour and predation rates in semi-naturalistic environments. Behavioural assays showed that infected beetles were more often exposed (not concealed under boxes) than uninfected beetles. However, there were no differences in predation rates between infected and uninfected beetles. We discuss this in terms of the historical and evolutionary contexts under which such altered behaviours could evolve and their implications for the Manipulation Hypothesis.

Keywords

Hymenolepis diminutaTenebrio molitorManipulation Hypothesispredationbehaviourhost–parasite interactions
Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 120 , Issue 3 , March 2000 , pp. 313 - 318
Copyright
2000 Cambridge University Press

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