Population dynamics of host-parasite interactions in a cockroach-oxyuroid system [Blatticola blattae]

Host-parasite interactions of an urban cockroach, Blattella germanica, and its oxyuroid parasite, Blatticola blattae, were investigated. Life history data of host and parasites were collected under laboratory conditions. These data were used to model the effect of the parasite on the population dyna...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Oikos 2001-12, Vol.95 (3), p.431-440
Main Authors: Mueller-Graf, C.D.M. (Paris Univ. (France)), Jobet, E, Cloarec, A, Rivault, C, Baalen, M. van, Morand, S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal and plant ecology
Animal biology
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Animals
Biological and medical sciences
Biological competition
BLATTELLA GERMANICA
Blattellidae
Blatticola blattae
CICLO VITAL
Cockroaches
CYCLE DE DEVELOPPEMENT
Demecology
Eggs
Female animals
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
HOST PARASITE RELATIONS
INFECCION
INFECTION
Infections
Larvae
LIFE CYCLE
Life Sciences
Medically important nuisances and vectors, pests of stored products and materials: population survey and control
MODELE
MODELOS
Nuisances
OXYURIDAE
Parasite hosts
Parasites
Population density
Protozoa. Invertebrata
RELACIONES HUESPED PARASITO
RELATION HOTE PARASITE
Young animals
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Summary:Host-parasite interactions of an urban cockroach, Blattella germanica, and its oxyuroid parasite, Blatticola blattae, were investigated. Life history data of host and parasites were collected under laboratory conditions. These data were used to model the effect of the parasite on the population dynamics of the host in order to understand the parasite's impact on the host population. The aggregation of parasites within a host was under-dispersed. Hosts normally were found to be infected with only one male and one female and rarely two or three. However, the primary sex ratio after hatching was 1.1 (males/females). Female parasite longevity equalled the life span of its host. B. blattae had a significant impact on the survival rate of the cockroach larvae and their time to reach maturity, but no effect on the survival rate of the adults. Infected host females produced fewer first oothecae than uninfected ones. Using the population parameters a simple model was developed to estimate the parasite's effect on the population dynamics of its host. According to the model the parasite suppresses the cockroach populations by ca 11%. Hence, the effect of the parasite does not appear strong enough to be used as a biological control agent by itself.
ISSN:0030-1299
1600-0706
DOI:10.1034/j.1600-0706.2001.950308.x