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Acanthocephala
thorny-headed worms, spiny-headed worms, acanthocephalans
Acanthocephala is a phylum of obligate endoparasitic worms known as thorny-headed or spiny-headed worms, characterized by an eversible proboscis armed with recurved hooks used to attach to host intestinal walls. They lack a mouth and digestive system, absorbing nutrients directly through their tegument. The phylum contains approximately 1,200–1,420 described species with complex life cycles involving arthropod intermediate hosts and vertebrate definitive hosts. Recent molecular evidence indicates they are highly modified rotifers, now sometimes classified within Syndermata or Rotifera.
parasite endoparasite helminth proboscis arthropod-intermediate-host vertebrate-definitive-host indirect-life-cycle behavioral-manipulation rotifer-relative aquaculture-pest zoonotic-potential
Acari
Mites and Ticks, mites, ticks
Acari is a subclass of arachnids containing mites and ticks. The group exhibits extraordinary diversity with fossil records dating to the early Devonian period. Recent phylogenetic analyses have challenged the monophyly of Acari, suggesting that the two main lineages—Parasitiformes (ticks and allies) and Acariformes (dust mites, spider mites, chiggers, and allies)—may not share a single common ancestor exclusive of other arachnids. This would render Acari a paraphyletic or polyphyletic grouping rather than a natural taxon. The traditional unifying character, the gnathosoma (a modified mouthpart region), has been shown to be absent or differently constructed in many species across both lineages.
arachnid mite tick parasite predator vector agricultural-pest biological-control forensic-indicator soil-fauna
Aceria paracalifornica
California Sagebrush Gall Mite
Aceria paracalifornica, commonly known as the California Sagebrush Gall Mite, is a species of eriophyid mite in the family Eriophyidae. As a member of the superfamily Eriophyoidea, it is a worm-like, four-legged mite that parasitizes plants. The genus Aceria includes numerous species that cause distinctive plant deformities including galls, witches' brooms, and leaf distortions. The specific epithet "paracalifornica" suggests a close relationship to or similarity with A. californica, a species associated with California sagebrush (Artemisia californica). Eriophyid mites in this genus are highly host-specific, typically specializing on a single plant species or genus.
gall-mite eriophyid parasite Artemisia California-native
Aegidae
aegid isopods
Aegidae is a family of marine and freshwater isopod crustaceans characterized by temporary parasitic relationships with fish hosts. Adults attach to hosts to feed on blood or tissue, then detach to digest meals. The family is distinguished from related Cirolanidae by having only three pairs of hook-like pereiopods rather than seven. Members occur in diverse aquatic habitats from shallow coastal waters to deep ocean environments, with some species documented at depths exceeding 2000 meters.
parasite fish-parasite temporary-parasite isopod crustacean aquaculture-pest marine freshwater deep-sea ectoparasite
Amblyomma tuberculatum
gopher tortoise tick
Amblyomma tuberculatum is a hard tick species endemic to the United States, commonly known as the gopher tortoise tick due to its intimate association with the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus). Unlike many tick species, its distribution appears more restricted than that of its primary host, with environmental factors such as sand depth and soil composition playing significant roles in habitat suitability. Laboratory studies have documented its complete life cycle, which requires a minimum of 207 days under controlled conditions.
tick parasite specialist gopher-tortoise sand-habitat United-States endemic
Anilocra
Fish Lice
Anilocra is a genus of marine isopods in the family Cymothoidae, commonly known as fish lice. Members are obligate external parasites of teleost fishes, attaching to host skin and feeding on blood. The genus exhibits sequential hermaphroditism, with individuals beginning life as males and transitioning to females as they grow. Parasitism by Anilocra species has been documented to reduce host growth rates, fecundity, and survival.
parasite marine cymothoid fish-parasite hematophagous hermaphrodite coral-reef
Aphomia sociella
Bee Moth, Bumble Bee Wax Moth
Aphomia sociella, commonly known as the bee moth or bumble bee wax moth, is a small pyralid moth native to Europe that has become an economically significant pest of bee colonies. The species is notable for its unique dual-modal mating system combining sex pheromones and ultrasonic courtship songs produced by males using specialized tegular tymbals. Females lay eggs in nests of bumblebees, wasps, and occasionally weakened honeybee hives, where larvae feed on nest materials, pollen, honey, and host brood. Infestation levels increase with proximity to commercial apiaries, causing reduced host reproductive output and weakened immune responses in bumblebees.
pest parasite pollinator-threat acoustic-communication pheromone beekeeping bumblebee wasp
Arguloida
Fish Lice
Arguloida is an order of parasitic crustaceans commonly known as fish lice. The order contains a single family, Argulidae, whose members are obligate ectoparasites of freshwater and marine fishes. These organisms have an uncertain phylogenetic position within Maxillopoda and lack any known fossil record. They are distributed globally across temperate and tropical waters.
parasite fish-parasite aquaculture-pest ectoparasite crustacean
Arrenuridae
Arrenuridae is a family of water mites (Hydrachnidia) in the order Trombidiformes, containing at least three genera and approximately 110 described species. Members are primarily freshwater predators as adults and deutonymphs, with larvae that parasitize aquatic insects. The family exhibits complex mating behaviors mediated by chemical communication, including female-emitted sex pheromones that trigger male responses.
water-mites Hydrachnidia freshwater predator parasite chemical-communication sex-pheromone Arrenurus Ostracoda-predator aquatic-insect-parasite complex-mating-behavior
Arrenurus
water mites
Arrenurus is the largest genus of water mites, comprising approximately 950 species with cosmopolitan distribution in lentic freshwater habitats. Adults are heavily sclerotized, predatory, and exhibit marked sexual dimorphism—males possess diagnostic caudal modifications used in mating, while female taxonomy remains problematic. The life cycle includes seven stages: egg, inactive prelarva, parasitic larva, protonymph, deutonymph, tritonymph, and adult. Larvae are ectoparasites of aquatic insects, particularly Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies), but also Diptera and Coleoptera, utilizing hosts for both nutrition and phoretic dispersal.
water-mite parasite predator freshwater odonate-parasite sexual-dimorphism phoresy stylostome cosmopolitan species-rich-genus
Arrenurus problecornis
Arrenurus problecornis is a species of water mite (family Arrenuridae) described by Cook in 1976. Like other members of the genus Arrenurus, it is part of the subgenus Arrenurus, which is characterized by parasitic larvae that attach to odonate hosts (dragonflies and damselflies). The species belongs to the diverse radiation of water mites (Hydrachnidia), a group comprising over 6,000 species of predatory freshwater arachnids with complex life histories involving parasitic larval stages and free-living predatory adults.
water-mite parasite odonate-parasite freshwater Arrenuridae Parasitengona phoresy
Blissus occiduus
Western Chinch Bug
Blissus occiduus, the western chinch bug, is a phloem-feeding true bug (Hemiptera: Blissidae) that is a significant pest of warm-season turfgrasses, particularly buffalograss and zoysiagrass. The species exhibits strong host preference hierarchies, with buffalograss being the most preferred host followed by zoysiagrass, though it can survive and reproduce on a broad range of grasses including agronomic crops. Field studies have documented inconsistent control with neonicotinoid insecticides, with thiamethoxam showing particularly rapid degradation in buffalograss tissues compared to imidacloprid and clothianidin.
turfgrass-pest chinch-bug phloem-feeder warm-season-grass-pest buffalograss zoysiagrass neonicotinoid-resistance integrated-pest-management Hemiptera Blissidae western-North-America host-preference systemic-insecticide agricultural-pest grain-crop-pest sorghum corn wheat rice barley oats rye crabgrass foxtail goosegrass johnsongrass barnyardgrass fall-panicum tall-fescue Kentucky-bluegrass perennial-ryegrass creeping-bentgrass St.-Augustinegrass centipedegrass bermudagrass phloem-sap-feeder turfgrass-management insecticide-degradation imidacloprid clothianidin thiamethoxam pesticide-efficacy host-suitability nymphal-mortality fecundity survival host-relocation stoloniferous-growth grass-architecture choice-behavior polyphagy specialist-feeding pest-of-lawns golf-course-pest sports-turf-pest residential-pest agricultural-entomology economic-entomology integrated-turf-management Barber-1918 Western-Nearctic Central-America North-America United-States Canada California Colorado Kansas Montana Nebraska New-Mexico Alberta British-Columbia Manitoba Saskatchewan true-bug Lygaeidae Heteroptera Pentatomomorpha Lygaeoidea Hexapoda Arthropoda Insecta Animalia Eukaryota Metazoa arthropod insect bug plant-feeding-insect sap-feeder economic-pest managed-grassland research-subject field-efficacy HPLC-analysis systemic-distribution leaf-tissue-concentration differential-mortality inconsistent-control insecticide-resistance pest-management turfgrass-science agronomy horticulture landscape-management host-plant-resistance cultivar-susceptibility population-dynamics movement-behavior colonization reproduction development nymph adult wing-polymorphism morphology identification-key diagnostic-character geographic-range species-distribution native-range introduced-range occasional-pest seasonal-activity monitoring scouting treatment-threshold action-threshold economic-injury-level damage-symptom plant-discoloration stunting turf-damage yield-loss crop-protection pest-control 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Cephenemyia apicata
nose bot fly
Cephenemyia apicata is a nose bot fly (family Oestridae) that parasitizes Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus). First instar larvae develop in the deer's bronchi for 6–8 months before migrating to retropharyngeal pouches. Adult males aggregate at elevated stands of Castanopsis and Quercus in California, with activity occurring from April through July when air temperatures reach 20°C. Females exhibit a distinctive visible attack behavior, landing on or near deer and eliciting curiosity before larvipositing into nostrils.
parasite deer-parasite respiratory-parasite myiasis western-North-America aggregation-behavior risk-spreading-reproduction
Cephenemyia jellisoni
nose bot fly
A parasitic bot fly whose larvae develop in the nasal passages and pharyngeal recesses of deer. Adults are active during warm periods and exhibit specific mating aggregations on elevated vegetation. The species shows a covert attacking strategy when larvipositing, remaining undetected by hosts until the moment of larval deposition.
parasite deer-parasite Oestridae myiasis larviparous cervid-host nasal-bot-fly Pacific-Northwest covert-attacking-behavior site-fidelity
Cephenemyia phobifer
pharyngeal bot of white-tailed deer
Cephenemyia phobifer is a parasitic bot fly (family Oestridae) that develops in the pharyngeal region of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The species exhibits probable larviposition, with females depositing live larvae directly onto or near hosts rather than laying eggs. It has a northeastern Nearctic distribution and completes two generations annually, with winter and summer cycles differing in duration.
parasite bot-fly cervid-parasite larviparous pharyngeal-parasite wildlife-disease Oestridae
Cephenemyia pratti
nose bot fly
Cephenemyia pratti is a species of nose bot fly in the family Oestridae, described by Hunter in 1916. Like other members of the genus Cephenemyia, it is an obligate parasite of cervids (deer family). The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with only six observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
parasite diptera oestridae cervidae nasal-bot-fly myiasis
Chelicerata
Chelicerates
Chelicerata is a major subphylum of arthropods characterized by the presence of chelicerae—pincer-like or fang-like appendages that are the first pair of structures before the mouth. The group includes horseshoe crabs, sea spiders, and arachnids (spiders, scorpions, mites, ticks, harvestmen, and allies). Chelicerates diverged from other arthropods by the mid-Cambrian period, approximately 508 million years ago. With over 77,000 described living species and estimates suggesting hundreds of thousands more undescribed species, chelicerates represent one of the most diverse animal groups after insects. Most living species are terrestrial air-breathers, though marine lineages persist.
arthropod arachnid spider scorpion mite tick horseshoe-crab sea-spider venom silk predator parasite
Chrysomelobia
Chrysomelobia is a genus of sexually transmitted parasitic mites in the family Podapolipidae that infest chrysomelid beetles. The genus was originally described from the Americas, Europe and Africa, and was later expanded to include Australian species following the synonymization of Parobia. These mites complete their entire life cycle on adult beetles and do not infest immature host stages.
parasite sexually-transmitted Podapolipidae chrysomelid-beetles arrhenotoky phoresy biological-control host-specificity
Chrysurissa densa
Chrysurissa densa is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae. It is known as a parasite of the nests of pollen wasps in the genus Pseudomasaris, specifically targeting the mud nests of Pseudomasaris vespoides. The species was first described by Cresson in 1865. Like other cuckoo wasps, females lay their eggs in the nests of host wasps, where their larvae consume the pollen and nectar provisions intended for the host's offspring.
parasite cuckoo-wasp pollen-wasp-parasite western-North-America Hymenoptera Chrysididae
Cimex
bed bugs, bedbugs
Cimex is a genus of obligate hematophagous insects in the family Cimicidae, commonly known as bed bugs. The genus includes species specialized on different hosts, with C. lectularius (common bed bug) feeding primarily on humans and C. hemipterus (tropical bed bug) occurring in warmer regions. Other species such as C. pipistrelli, C. pilosellus, and C. adjunctus specialize on bats. Bed bugs are wingless, nocturnal parasites that have undergone global resurgence since the late 1990s, likely due to insecticide resistance, changes in pest control practices, and increased international travel.
bed-bug parasite hematophagy pest urban-entomology insecticide-resistance resurgent-pest nocturnal aggregation-pheromone integrated-pest-management Cimicidae Hemiptera
Cochliomyia
New World screwworm flies, screwworm flies
Cochliomyia is a genus of blowflies (family Calliphoridae) comprising four species: C. macellaria, C. hominivorax, C. aldrichi, and C. minima. The genus is commonly known as New World screwworm flies, distinguished from Old World screwworms. C. hominivorax, the primary screwworm, is an obligate parasite whose larvae feed on living tissue, causing severe myiasis in livestock, wildlife, and humans. C. macellaria, the secondary screwworm, feeds only on necrotic tissue and carrion. The primary screwworm has been eradicated from North America through the sterile insect technique, though it persists in parts of Central and South America.
blowfly myiasis screwworm livestock-pest forensic-entomology sterile-insect-technique parasite veterinary-entomology invasive-species eradication-program
Coptotermes
Coptotermes is a genus of subterranean termites in the family Rhinotermitidae, containing approximately 71 described species. The genus is thought to have originated in Southeast Asia and includes some of the world's most economically destructive termite pests, notably Coptotermes formosanus (Formosan subterranean termite) and C. gestroi (Asian subterranean termite). A 2013 consensus among 31 termite experts reduced the number of validated species from 69 to 21 based on morphological and molecular evidence, with many historical names suspected to be synonyms. Species in this genus exhibit complex social behaviors including age-based task division and unique nitrogen recycling strategies.
termite pest invasive structural-pest subterranean Rhinotermitidae Heterotermitidae economic-pest urban-entomology colony social-insect molting nitrogen-recycling exuviae age-polyethism Formosan-subterranean-termite Asian-subterranean-termite Southeast-Asia-origin wood-feeding cellulose gut-protozoa lower-termite evolutionary-transition tunneling foraging trophallaxis proctodeal-trophallaxis carton-nest Ahamitermes parasite chitin-synthesis-inhibitor CSI-bait molting-site-fidelity invasive-species urban-pest structural-damage quarantine shipping railroad-ties mulch Hawaii Florida Louisiana Taiwan Japan China Philippines Australia temperature-limitation humidity-requirement colony-size several-million alates swarming nematode-association vertical-transfer morphological-plasticity molecular-identification mitochondrial-DNA COII 12S-rRNA 16S-rRNA consortium-taxonomy taxonomic-cold-case synonymy Wasmann-1896
Cremastocheilus constricticollis
Cremastocheilus constricticollis is a species of anteater scarab beetle native to the southwestern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is a myrmecophile that lives within ant colonies as a predator of ant larvae and pupae. The species exhibits specialized morphological adaptations including a dense, heavily armored exoskeleton and modified mouthparts for piercing soft ant cuticle. Adults are known to employ death-feigning behavior to gain entry to ant nests. The species was described by Cazier in 1940 and is among roughly 35 recognized North American species in this genus, which is currently undergoing taxonomic revision.
myrmecophile parasite predator death-feigning thanatosis scarab-beetle ant-nest southwestern-United-States
Cremastocheilus crinitus
anteater scarab beetle
Cremastocheilus crinitus is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle known for its specialized parasitic relationship with ants. Adults enter ant colonies by feigning death, allowing scavenging workers to carry them into nests. Once inside, they feed on ant larvae and pupae using modified piercing mouthparts. The species is part of a genus of approximately 35 North American species, commonly called "anteater scarabs" for their predatory behavior toward ant brood.
myrmecophily parasite predator death-feigning thanatosis Scarabaeidae Cetoniinae Formica ant-associated North-America
Cremastocheilus harrisii
Eastern Ant-loving Scarab
Cremastocheilus harrisii is a species of anteater scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. As a member of the genus Cremastocheilus, it exhibits the specialized myrmecophilous lifestyle characteristic of this group, living within ant colonies and feeding on ant brood. The species is part of a genus of approximately 35 North American species that have evolved remarkable morphological and behavioral adaptations for surviving in hostile ant nest environments.
myrmecophile scarab-beetle predator parasite Formica-associate death-feigning cryptic-lifestyle
Cremastocheilus planipes
Cremastocheilus planipes is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle in the genus Cremastocheilus, commonly known as anteater scarabs. These beetles are specialized inhabitants of ant colonies, where they live as predators of ant brood. The species exhibits remarkable morphological and behavioral adaptations for infiltrating and surviving within hostile ant nests. Like other members of its genus, C. planipes is poorly studied and infrequently encountered due to its cryptic lifestyle.
myrmecophile parasite predator scarab ant-associated cryptic desert-fauna
Cremastocheilus quadratus
anteater scarab beetle
Cremastocheilus quadratus is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Fall in 1912. Like other members of its genus, it lives within ant colonies as a predator of ant larvae and pupae. The species is found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
myrmecophile parasite predator scarab-beetle ant-associate
Cremastocheilus schaumii
anteater scarab beetle
Cremastocheilus schaumii is a North American scarab beetle notable for its obligate myrmecophilous lifestyle. Adults live within ant colonies as predators of ant larvae and pupae, employing specialized morphological adaptations to avoid detection and expulsion by host workers. The species exhibits a complex life cycle involving death-feigning behavior to gain entry to nests, chemical camouflage through acquisition of colony scent, and modified mouthparts for piercing ant brood. Two subspecies are recognized: C. s. schaumii and C. s. tibialis.
myrmecophile predator scarab-beetle ant-associate death-feigning parasite
Cremastocheilus squamulosus
Cremastocheilus squamulosus is a species of anteater scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. Like other members of its genus, it is a myrmecophile that lives within ant colonies. The species occurs in the southeastern United States, where it has been recorded from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
myrmecophile parasite predator scarab-beetle Formica-associate
Cuterebra
rodent bots, Glire Bot Flies
Cuterebra is a genus of New World bot flies (subfamily Cuterebrinae) comprising approximately 78 species that parasitize rodents and lagomorphs. Adults are large, robust flies resembling bumble bees, with non-functional mouthparts and short lifespans devoted entirely to reproduction. Females oviposit near host burrow entrances; larvae hatch in response to host body heat, enter through natural orifices or wounds, and develop subcutaneously for approximately one month before exiting to pupate in soil. The genus exhibits notable host specificity, with individual species typically restricted to single host species or closely related groups.
bot-fly myiasis parasite rodent-parasite lagomorph-parasite New-World Cuterebrinae warble subcutaneous-parasite rarely-observed-adult mimicry bumble-bee-mimic
Cuterebra abdominalis
rabbit bot fly
Cuterebra abdominalis is a species of New World skin bot fly in the family Oestridae. It is a parasite of lagomorphs (rabbits and hares), with larvae developing subcutaneously in host tissues. Adults are short-lived, lack functional mouthparts, and do not feed. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry, resembling bumble bees in appearance. It is one of approximately 34 recognized North American species in the genus Cuterebra, with seven species specializing on rabbit hosts.
parasite mimicry bot-fly lagomorph rabbit Oestridae Cuterebrinae myiasis warble Batesian-mimicry short-lived-adult non-feeding-adult soil-pupation spring-emergence
Cuterebra americana
woodrat bot fly
Cuterebra americana, the woodrat bot fly, is a New World skin bot fly in the family Oestridae. It is a parasitic species whose larvae develop subcutaneously in mammalian hosts. The species has been documented successfully developing in atypical hosts, including the black rat (Rattus rattus) in Florida. Adults are rarely encountered in the field and lack functional mouthparts, living only to reproduce.
bot-fly parasite myiasis rodent-parasite Cuterebrinae Oestridae Diptera
Cuterebra arizonae
New World skin bot fly
Cuterebra arizonae is a species of New World skin bot fly in the family Oestridae. It was described by Sabrosky in 1986. Like other members of the genus Cuterebra, it is a parasitic fly whose larvae develop subcutaneously in mammalian hosts. Adults are rarely encountered in the field and lack functional mouthparts.
bot-fly parasite Diptera Oestridae Cuterebrinae New-World-skin-bot-fly Sabrosky-1986 Arizona
Cuterebra atrox
Cuterebra atrox is a species of New World skin bot fly in the family Oestridae. Like other members of the genus Cuterebra, it is a parasitic fly whose larvae develop subcutaneously in mammalian hosts. The species was described by Clark in 1848. Adults are rarely encountered in the field and do not feed, lacking functional mouthparts.
bot-fly parasite oestridae cuterebrinae diptera new-world mammal-parasite
Cuterebra bajensis
Cuterebra bajensis is a species of New World skin bot fly in the family Oestridae, described by Sabrosky in 1986. The species belongs to a genus of obligate mammalian parasites whose larvae develop subcutaneously in rodents and lagomorphs. Adults are rarely encountered in the field and do not feed.
bot-fly parasite mammal-parasite New-World Cuterebrinae
Cuterebra buccata
rabbit bot fly
Cuterebra buccata is a New World bot fly in the family Oestridae, commonly known as the rabbit bot fly. Adults are large, bumble bee-sized flies that lack functional mouthparts and do not feed. The species is host-specific to lagomorphs, particularly cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus). Larvae develop subcutaneously in warbles, feeding on host fluids rather than tissue. Adults are rarely encountered in the field and have short lifespans focused on reproduction.
bot-fly myiasis parasite lagomorph rabbit Oestridae Cuterebrinae bumble-bee-mimicry warble subcutaneous-parasite host-specific non-feeding-adult puparium Cuterebra Sylvilagus cottontail-rabbit New-World North-America Virginia Missouri Vermont spring-emergence late-summer-prevalence rarely-encountered short-lived-adult evolutionary-coevolution benign-parasitism soil-pupation larval-migration subcutaneous-development Diptera Insecta entomology medical-entomology veterinary-entomology wildlife-disease parasitology host-parasite-interaction cuterebrid rabbit-parasite lagomorph-parasite bot warble-fly gadfly Oestrus-buccata Fabricius-1775 Cuterebra-buccata-(Fabricius,-1775)
Cuterebra cochisei
Cuterebra cochisei is a species of New World skin bot fly described by Sabrosky in 1986. As a member of the genus Cuterebra, it is an obligate parasite of mammals with larvae that develop subcutaneously in host tissue. The species is one of 34 recognized North American Cuterebra species. Very little specific information has been published about this particular species.
parasite mammal-parasite myiasis obligate-parasite bot-fly New-World-skin-bot-fly Oestridae Cuterebrinae Diptera insect arthropod
Cuterebra cuniculi
rabbit bot fly
Cuterebra cuniculi is a New World skin bot fly endemic to Georgia and Florida. Its larvae are obligate parasites of the eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) and marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris), developing subcutaneously in warbles. Adults are short-lived, lack functional mouthparts, and do not feed.
parasite endemic lagomorph-parasite myiasis rarely-observed-adult
Cuterebra emasculator
Squirrel Bot Fly
Cuterebra emasculator is a New World bot fly and obligate internal parasite of tree squirrels and chipmunks in eastern North America. First described by Asa Fitch in 1856, its larvae develop subcutaneously in hosts, creating characteristic swellings called warbles. The species name originated from a false belief that larvae consumed host testicles; research has shown this is not the case and parasitism does not reduce host fertility. Adults are rarely encountered, lack functional mouthparts, and live only a few days focused solely on reproduction.
bot-fly parasite warble sciurid chipmunk squirrel Oestridae internal-parasite subcutaneous-parasite myiasis
Cuterebra fontinella fontinella
mouse bot fly, white-footed mouse bot fly
Cuterebra fontinella fontinella is a subspecies of New World bot fly (family Oestridae) that parasitizes small mammals, primarily white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus). The adult flies are large, bumble bee-sized, and lack functional mouthparts, living only briefly to reproduce. Females lay eggs near host burrow entrances; larvae hatch in response to host body heat, enter through orifices or wounds, and develop subcutaneously for approximately one month before exiting to pupate in soil. Despite forming conspicuous warbles that can reach 5% of host body weight, infections appear to have minimal negative impact on host survival and may even correlate with increased longevity in some populations.
parasite myiasis rodent-parasite bot-fly Oestridae Cuterebrinae Peromyscus white-footed-mouse forest-edge aggregation-behavior bimodal-reproduction benign-parasitism mimicry bumble-bee-mimic
Cuterebra lepusculi
cottontail rabbit botfly
Cuterebra lepusculi is a New World skin bot fly (family Oestridae) that parasitizes cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus spp.). Adults are short-lived, lack functional mouthparts, and do not feed. Females deposit eggs near rabbit burrow entrances; larvae hatch upon detecting host body heat, enter through natural orifices or wounds, and develop in subcutaneous warbles for approximately one month before exiting to pupate in soil.
parasite myiasis rabbit-parasite bot-fly Diptera Oestridae Cuterebrinae Sylvilagus Idaho
Cuterebra mirabilis
Cuterebra mirabilis is a rare species of New World skin bot fly and the largest member of the rabbit-infesting group within the genus Cuterebra. As of 2009, the species was known from only three specimens, all collected in New Mexico. Like other Cuterebra species, it is an obligate parasite of lagomorphs, with larvae developing subcutaneously in host tissue. The specific epithet "mirabilis" (Latin for "extraordinary") reflects the species' remarkable size and striking appearance among bot flies.
rare parasite lagomorph-parasite New-Mexico-endemic largest-rabbit-bot-fly
Cuterebra neomexicana
Cuterebra neomexicana is a species of New World skin bot fly described by Sabrosky in 1986. Like other members of the genus Cuterebra, it is a mammalian parasite with larvae that develop subcutaneously in hosts. The species is poorly documented in the scientific literature, with minimal published information on its biology, host associations, and distribution beyond the original description.
data-deficient parasite mammal-parasite New-World-bot-fly
Cuterebra polita
Cuterebra polita is a New World skin bot fly whose larvae are obligate parasites of rodents. Adults are non-feeding and short-lived, lacking functional mouthparts. Larvae develop in subcutaneous warbles on host rodents, feeding on host tissues and fluids. The species has been documented in four rodent hosts in Florida: white-footed mouse, cotton mouse, eastern woodrat, and cotton rat.
parasite rodent-parasite myiasis obligate-parasite bot-fly New-World-skin-bot-fly Cuterebrinae medical-entomology veterinary-entomology
Cuterebra tenebriformis
Diptera Oestridae Cuterebra bot-fly parasite North-America rodent-parasite mammal-parasite endoparasite myiasis New-World-skin-bot-fly Cuterebrinae Sabrosky-1986 rarely-encountered adult-non-feeding host-specific subcutaneous-parasite warble-forming puparium glade-habitat Missouri-endemic southeastern-US
Cyladini
Cyladini is a tribe of weevils in the family Brentidae, subfamily Apioninae. The tribe includes economically significant pests of sweet potato, particularly the sweetpotato weevil (Cylas formicarius), which causes substantial damage to storage roots in tropical and subtropical production regions. Members of this tribe are characterized by their association with Convolvulaceae host plants and their status as specialized root-feeding pests.
pest agriculture sweet-potato Convolvulaceae integrated-pest-management Cylas-formicarius tropical-agriculture subtropical-agriculture root-feeding-weevil storage-root-damage economic-pest biological-control crop-protection southeastern-United-States global-food-security low-input-farming drought-tolerant-crop nematode-interactions Beauveria-bassiana entomopathogenic-nematodes resistant-varieties crop-rotation cover-crops IPM Brentidae Apioninae Coleoptera Insecta Hexapoda Arthropoda Animalia Claire-Schloemer Auburn-University University-of-Wisconsin-Madison Journal-of-Integrated-Pest-Management Scott-Graham Kathy-Lawrence Covington Bonita Beauregard Orleans guava-root-knot-nematode root-knot-nematode wireworm cucumber-beetle flea-beetle Purpureocillium-lilacinum biopesticide green-bridge-effect mustard glucosinolate peanut bahiagrass sandy-soil drought-adaptation biofuel animal-feed nutritional-value food-security sustainable-agriculture environmental-impact microbial-control fungal-pathogen entomopathogenic-fungus biological-nematicide nematode-egg-parasitism pest-management agricultural-entomology crop-loss yield-reduction root-quality marketability integrated-management cultural-control selective-chemical-use productivity natural-processes versatility global-cultivation tropical-regions subtropical-regions southeastern-U.S.domestic-production revenue acreage harvest farming grower breeding research cultivar-development evolving-threats pest-pressure soil-health field-preparation winter-habitat insect-habitat parasitism infestation damage loss challenge defense arsenal battle war resilience adaptation innovation strategy sustainability livelihood nourishment food-production agricultural-research entomology plant-protection crop-science horticulture root-crop tuber storage-organ feeding-injury galling cracked-roots stunted-growth water-uptake nutrient-uptake pathogen-interaction exacerbated-damage variety-selection hardy-variety robust-performance high-yield nematode-resistance pest-resistance vulnerability spreading-pest population-reduction soil-improvement spring-planting toxic-compound natural-property microbial-product formulation application evaluation maximization potential urgency growing-threat comprehensive-strategy balance enablement essential-crop security defiance difficult-conditions menacing-pests formidable-threats production-continuation face-to-face threat disease resilient-crop growing-conditions menace story surface beneath relentless adversary favor condition powerful foe tiny parasite attack formation diminish ability result unattractive worse matter interaction significant devastating ruin inflict further compromise grapple thankfully farmer begin select hardy withstand traditional gain traction vulnerable highlight need continue breed effort develop capable oppose evolve after sturdy cultural management rotation cover cropping line take year off grow rotate non-host prove effective reduce population breathe life improve health suppress prepare example contain compound call break down release substance wary provide represent method harness help win spore fungus infect kill type tap different microscopic animal parasitize plus use combat attention egg aid fight minimize impact despite advance question remain require maximize particularly urgent pose key enhance approach integrate practice control selective chemical enable natural process nutritional value essential crop global food region support million address pressure innovative sustainable ensure live many formidable production although come face resilient able defy difficult read more journal integrated Claire Schloemer Ph.D.student conduct earn master degree email share link friend open new window print Facebook LinkedIn Bluesky Mastodon X Reddit Threads related discover from today subscribe get latest post send your Cylas formicarius sweet potato sweetpotato weevil photo courtesy show here cucumber beetle root-knot nematode harm U.S.guide detail variety option beloved delicious taste benefit bright color rank seventh most important world tropical subtropical area around serve feed source good pick low-input style well adapted sandy soil drought United States 2022 over 130,000 acre generate nearly 600 southeastern lead domestic Auburn University weather article publish March colleague Scott Graham Kathy Lawrence various among plant-parasitic specifically root system cause gall plant water nutrient stunted growth yield crack make interact pathogen exacerbate insect know storage 7 annual southern flea quality leave economic own resistance better meanwhile newer high robust performance however resist guava species spread next season winter field spring toxic green bridge effect habitat feeder symptom infection biological property microbe Beauveria bassiana agent formulate environmentally friendly product easy apply similarly beneficial entomopathogenic nematicide Purpureocillium lilacinum solution environmental resistant nematode-resistant cultivar comprehensive cultivation Wisconsin-Madison cschloemer wisc edu
Cyphomyrmex
fungus-growing ants
Cyphomyrmex is a genus of small, drab-colored fungus-growing ants in the tribe Attini, found primarily in the Neotropics. These ants cultivate fungi in the tribe Leucocoprineae as their primary food source, with most species growing fungal nodules rather than full mycelial gardens. Colonies are typically monogynous and small, rarely exceeding 500 workers. The genus is divided into two species complexes: the strigatus complex (South America only) and the rimosus complex (southern North America to South America). Cyphomyrmex represents a basal lineage among attine ants and serves as sister group to Mycetophylax.
fungus-growing-ants attine-ants Myrmicinae Neotropical mutualism fungiculture Leucocoprineae monogyny parasitoid-wasps social-parasitism chemical-ecology alkaloid-venom nest-architecture behavioral-plasticity cytogenetics chromosome-evolution Guiana-Shield Brazil Panama Puerto-Rico Mesoamerica Argentina United-States Texas California Florida yeast-gardens mycelial-gardens rimosus-complex strigatus-complex age-polyethism trophallaxis thanatosis feigning-death Diapriidae Acanthopria Mimopriella Megalomyrmex social-parasite C.-longiscapus C.-transversus C.-laevigatus C.-rimosus C.-minutus C.-lectus C.-cornutus C.-costatus pheromones 3-octanol farnesenes trail-following alarm-signal diketopiperazines antifungal-compounds defensive-behavior colony-defense flight-response recruitment Lanchester's-laws karyotype chromosome-number rDNA microsatellites FISH chamber-depth gallery-length fire-disturbance savanna-forest-transition arboreal-nesting clay-auricles soil-nests wood-nests epiphytic-nests moss-nests coconut-nests desiccation-susceptibility moist-habitats basal-attine phylogenetics sister-group chemical-evolution venom-alkaloids behavioral-manipulation host-parasite-interaction ecosystem-engineering nutrient-cycling decomposition organic-matter insect-feces exoskeleton-substrate garden-transplantation worker-polymorphism queen-number dealate-queens alates brood-care ecdysis-assistance foraging sugar-collection plant-exudates fungal-domestication nodule-cultivation mycelium-cultivation agricultural-behavior nest-entrance funnel-structure exposed-gardens symbiont-diversity geographic-variation research-model evolutionary-biology mutualism-evolution ant-fungus-coevolution chemical-communication social-insects eusociality colony-size small-colonies slow-movement crypsis debris-mimicry predation-avoidance parasitoid-defense wasp-killing colony-abandonment resource-rescue thief-ant-defense venom-resistance toxicity-tolerance behavioral-suppression playing-dead alkaloid-manipulation fungal-secondary-metabolites antibacterial-compounds antiviral-compounds garden-protection microbial-defense nest-microclimate temperature-regulation humidity-requirements depth-effects fire-adaptation disturbance-ecology habitat-specificity substrate-specialization clay-construction soil-manipulation architectural-plasticity vertical-nesting embankment-nesting overhang-nesting pendant-nests swallow-nest-mimicry research-accessibility field-biology tropical-ecology Neotropical-myrmecology biodiversity conservation invasive-species-context native-species biological-control Integrated-Pest-Management agricultural-ecology forest-ecology savanna-ecology transitional-habitats disturbed-areas urban-ecology anthropogenic-impact climate-sensitivity habitat-limitation range-boundaries dispersal colonization establishment population-dynamics demography colony-density nest-spacing intraspecific-competition interspecific-competition territoriality resource-defense combat-behavior aggression-levels recruitment-behavior chemical-signaling alarm-pheromones trail-pheromones recognition-cues cuticular-hydrocarbons venom-composition defensive-secretions mandibular-glands Dufour's-gland metapleural-glands antibiotic-production grooming-behavior fungal-inoculation integumental-fungi yeast-growth larval-grooming garden-maintenance substrate-preparation fecal-fertilizer anal-trophallaxis crop-regurgitation fluid-application drying-behavior nodule-formation transplantation-behavior garden-establishment ceiling-gardens root-association architectural-innovation nest-site-selection microhabitat-choice moisture-requirements thermal-buffering predator-avoidance parasite-avoidance disease-resistance social-immunity collective-behavior division-of-labor task-allocation temporal-polyethism worker-age nurse-workers forager-workers soldier-caste-absence monomorphism worker-size-variation queen-worker-differentiation reproductive-caste gyne-production male-production seasonal-reproduction colony-founding claustral-founding non-claustral-founding fungal-inoculum founding-queen first-worker-generation nutritional-dependency fat-reserves metabolic-adaptation digestive-physiology enzyme-complement fungal-enzyme lignocellulose-degradation nutritional-mutualism obligate-mutualism vertical-transmission horizontal-transmission symbiont-switching cultivar-replacement garden-failure colony-mortality population-turnover generation-time longevity survivorship life-expectancy aging senescence reproductive-investment colony-growth colony-decline budding fission reproduction-mode genetic-structure relatedness mating-system nuptial-flight mate-choice sperm-storage colony-odor nestmate-recognition foreign-rejection agonistic-behavior territorial-marking boundary-defense raiding-behavior robbing-behavior cleptobiosis dulosis slavery inquilinism guest-ants myrmecophiles nest-associates commensalism inquilines parasite-tolerance host-manipulation venom-alkaloid pyrrolidine indolizidine piperidine nonanal farnesene sesquiterpene agriculture-chemical gaster-extract chemical-diversity chemical-simplicity evolutionary-precursor derived-chemistry biosynthetic-pathway semiochemical infochemical communication information-transfer colony-organization social-structure polygyny queen-condition dealation wing-shedding ovarian-development fecundity egg-laying brood-development developmental-rate temperature-dependence humidity-dependence food-availability nutritional-quality fungal-productivity garden-yield worker-production colony-efficiency energy-allocation resource-allocation foraging-efficiency search-behavior prey-detection food-retrieval transport-behavior load-size travel-speed path-integration orientation navigation homing-behavior learning memory experience individual-recognition context-dependent-behavior threat-assessment risk-management predator-inspection alarm-propagation recruitment-activation mobilization colony-response emergency-behavior panic-response controlled-response defensive-strategy offensive-strategy escalation de-escalation conflict-resolution fight-avoidance retreat-behavior surrender-signal dominance-hierarchy reproductive-skew worker-policing queen-policing egg-eating oviposition-suppression reproductive-conflict kin-conflict worker-reproduction male-production-by-workers anarchy social-parasitism-detection parasite-recognition enemy-recognition nest-intrusion nest-defense perimeter-defense chamber-defense brood-defense queen-defense self-sacrifice suicidal-defense autothysis sting-use mandible-use spraying-behavior gaster-flexion chemical-defense mechanical-defense armor cuticle-thickness pigmentation masquerade mimicry Batesian-mimicry Muellerian-mimicry aggressive-mimicry Wasmannian-mimicry myrmecophily myrmecophagy ant-plant-mutualism trophobiosis extrafloral-nectary domatia plant-ant-interaction herbivore-defense seed-dispersal pollination ecosystem-service functional-role trophic-position detritivore decomposer saprotroph necrotroph fungivore omnivore predator scavenger trophic-level energy-flow carbon-cycling nitrogen-cycling phosphorus-cycling soil-formation bioturbation aeration water-infiltration microbial-community bacteria actinomycetes Pseudonocardia disease-suppression garden-hygiene weeding-behavior pruning-behavior fungal-grooming antibiotic-application mutualist-protection agricultural-disease crop-pathology escovopsis garden-parasite competitor-fungus pathogen-defense immune-response individual-immunity grooming allogrooming self-grooming nest-cleaning refuse-management fecal-management waste-disposal midden-formation territory-size home-range foraging-range recruitment-range exploration exploitation information-use public-information private-information cue-use signal-use communication-network interaction-network social-network colony-network population-network community-ecology species-interaction apparent-competition exploitative-competition interference-competition resource-partitioning niche-differentiation habitat-filtering environmental-gradient altitudinal-distribution latitudinal-distribution continental-distribution island-distribution endemism biogeography phylogeography historical-biogeography vicariance range-expansion range-contraction refugia glacial-cycles climate-change-impact habitat-fragmentation deforestation land-use-change agricultural-intensification urbanization pollution pesticide-exposure heavy-metal-accumulation conservation-status population-viability extinction-risk protected-area reserve-design habitat-corridor connectivity metapopulation source-sink-dynamics rescue-effect mass-effect ecological-theory behavioral-ecology evolutionary-ecology functional-ecology trait-based-ecology comparative-analysis phylogenetic-comparative-methods character-evolution ancestral-state-reconstruction convergent-evolution parallel-evolution adaptive-radiation species-diversification speciation hybridization introgression gene-flow genetic-differentiation population-structure molecular-ecology genomics transcriptomics proteomics metabolomics volatile-organic-compound cuticular-hydrocarbon glandular-secretion sting-apparatus mandible-morphology head-morphology mesosomal-morphology petiolar-morphology gastral-morphology leg-morphology antennal-morphology sensilla chemoreception mechanoreception thermoreception photoreception vision compound-eye ocelli brain-morphology neuroanatomy learning-capacity memory-capacity cognitive-ability problem-solving tool-use sequence-learning route-learning spatial-memory temporal-memory social-learning cultural-transmission tradition colony-personality behavioral-syndrome boldness exploration-tendency activity-level aggression-level foraging-tendency defensive-tendency stress-response physiological-stress thermal-stress desiccation-stress starvation-stress immune-challenge wound-healing metabolic-rate respiration energy-expenditure water-balance osmoregulation excretion Malpighian-tubules rectum hindgut midgut foregut crop proventriculus digestive-enzyme nutrient-absorption lipid-metabolism carbohydrate-metabolism protein-metabolism amino-acid-metabolism nitrogen-excretion uric-acid urea ammonia osmolyte cryoprotectant heat-shock-protein stress-protein antioxidant-defense oxidative-stress reactive-oxygen-species aging-biology senescence-theory disposable-soma antagonistic-pleiotropy mutation-accumulation life-history-theory r-K-selection bet-hedging iteroparity semelparity reproductive-effort parental-investment maternal-effect paternal-effect epigenetics DNA-methylation histone-modification non-coding-RNA gene-regulation transcription-factor signaling-pathway hormone juvenile-hormone ecdysone insulin-signaling TOR-signaling nutrient-sensing reproductive-signaling caste-determination sex-determination environmental-sex-determination genetic-sex-determination haplodiploidy arrhenotoky thelytoky parthenogenesis arrhenotokous-parthenogenesis automixis apomixis central-fusion terminal-fusion genomic-imprinting parental-conflict kin-selection inclusive-fitness Hamilton's-rule relatedness-asymmetry sex-ratio-theory local-mate-competition local-resource-competition local-resource-enhancement split-sex-ratio worker-sex-ratio queen-sex-ratio colony-sex-ratio population-sex-ratio operational-sex-ratio effective-population-size genetic-drift inbreeding inbreeding-depression outbreeding outbreeding-depression heterosis hybrid-vigor genetic-load mutation-rate effective-number-of-codons codon-usage-bias GC-content genome-size karyotype-evolution chromosomal-rearrangement fusion inversion translocation polyploidy aneuploidy chromosomal-polymorphism rDNA-cluster heterochromatin euchromatin centromere telomere nucleolus-organizer-region satellite-DNA minisatellite microsatellite simple-sequence-repeat transposable-element retrotransposon DNA-transposon horizontal-gene-transfer endosymbiont Wolbachia Cardinium Rickettsia Spiroplasma bacterial-symbiont fungal-symbiont viral-symbiont parasite pathogen disease epidemiology transmission-dynamics virulence resistance tolerance recovery immunity vaccination prophylaxis medicinal-behavior self-medication thermoregulation behavioral-thermoregulation social-thermoregulation microclimate-selection nest-temperature brood-temperature fungal-garden-temperature metabolic-heat heat-dissipation evaporative-cooling behavioral-cooling fanning ventilation chamber-design gallery-design entrance-design air-flow humidity-regulation water-collection water-storage desiccation-resistance cuticular-waterproofing spiracle-control respiratory-water-loss excretory-water-loss water-recycling metabolic-water dietary-water environmental-water rainfall-dependence seasonal-activity dry-season wet-season monsoon drought flood fire disturbance succession primary-succession secondary-succession climax-community pioneer-species habitat-specialist habitat-generalist edge-species interior-species gap-species canopy-species understory-species ground-species subterranean-species arboreal-species liana-species epiphyte-species lithophyte-species rheophyte-species aquatic-margin-species terrestrial-species fossorial-species cursorial-species scansorial-species volant-species winged-reproductive dealate ergatoid brachypterous apterous polymorphism caste-polymorphism queen-polymorphism male-polymorphism size-polymorphism allometry isometry shape-variation morphological-integration modularity evolvability constraints developmental-stability fluctuating-asymmetry directional-asymmetry antisymmetry phenotypic-plasticity reaction-norm genotype-environment-interaction grandparental-effect indirect-genetic-effect social-environment-effect colony-effect density-dependence frequency-dependence negative-frequency-dependence positive-frequency-dependence apostatic-selection anti-apostatic-selection search-image predator-learning prey-learning friend-recognition cuticular-hydrocarbon-profile gestalt-odor colony-specific-odor individual-specific-odor task-specific-odor age-specific-odor reproductive-odor queen-odor queen-pheromone primer-pheromone releaser-pheromone signal-pheromone modulatory-pheromone alarm-pheromone trail-pheromone recruitment-pheromone aggregation-pheromone sex-pheromone marking-pheromone territorial-pheromone defensive-pheromone poison-gland Dufour-gland mandibular-gland postpharyngeal-gland metapleural-gland sternal-gland tarsal-gland anal-gland rectal-gland pygidial-gland mandibular-brush tibial-spur stridulatory-organ subgenual-organ Johnston's-organ tympanal-organ hair-sensillum campaniform-sensillum basiconic-sensillum coeloconic-sensillum placoid-sensillum sensilla-trichodea sensilla-basiconica sensilla-coeloconica sensilla-ampullacea sensilla-campaniformia sensilla-placodea olfactory-receptor-neuron gustatory-receptor-neuron mechanoreceptor-neuron thermoreceptor-neuron hygroreceptor-neuron photoreceptor-neuron visual-processing olfactory-processing gustatory-processing mechanosensory-processing central-complex mushroom-body antennal-lobe optic-lobe suboesophageal-ganglion ventral-nerve-cord sympathetic-nervous-system neurosecretion neurohemal-organ corpus-cardiacum corpus-allatum prothoracic-gland ventral-gland pericardial-gland neuroendocrine-regulation hormonal-regulation pheromonal-regulation neural-regulation behavioral-regulation social-regulation environmental-regulation developmental-regulation reproductive-regulation metabolic-regulation homeostatic-regulation allostatic-regulation stress-regulation immune-regulation circadian-rhythm circannual-rhythm photoperiodism thermoperiodism biological-clock zeitgeber entrainment free-running-period phase-response-curve masking-effect arousal-threshold sleep torpor diapause quiescence dormancy aestivation hibernation cold-hardiness heat-hardiness desiccation-hardiness anoxia-hardiness starvation-hardiness radiation-hardiness pressure-hardiness gravity-perception magnetic-field-perception electric-field-perception sound-perception vibration-perception substrate-borne-signal air-borne-signal seismic-signal chemical-signal visual-signal tactile-signal auditory-signal multimodal-signal composite-signal redundant-signal amplifying-signal attenuating-signal honest-signal deceptive-signal costly-signal cheap-signal conventional-signal index-signal handicap-signal amplifier social-selection sexual-selection sperm-competition cryptic-female-choice male-male-competition female-female-competition parent-offspring-conflict sibling-conflict worker-queen-conflict worker-worker-conflict sexual-conflict antagonistic-coevolution arms-race evolutionary-dynamics community-dynamics ecosystem-dynamics biogeochemical-cycle carbon-cycle nitrogen-cycle phosphorus-cycle sulfur-cycle water-cycle trophic-transfer production-efficiency consumption-efficiency assimilation-efficiency ecological-efficiency Lindeman-efficiency 10%-rule food-chain food-web trophic-cascade top-down-control bottom-up-control wasps-control donor-control recipient-control interaction-strength interaction-web ecological-network network-topology network-metrics degree-distribution connectance nestedness compartmentalization robustness fragility resilience recovery-time return-time elasticity perturbation pulse-disturbance press-disturbance chronic-disturbance acute-disturbance catastrophic-disturbance natural-disturbance anthropogenic-disturbance habitat-destruction habitat-degradation habitat-modification habitat-loss habitat-isolation edge-effect matrix-effect permeability corridor-effect stepping-stone source-population sink-population metapopulation-dynamics extinction-debt colonization-credit relaxation-effect time-lag historical-legacy priority-effect founder-effect bottleneck-effect selection natural-selection artificial-selection directional-selection stabilizing-selection disruptive-selection balancing-selection frequency-dependent-selection density-dependent-selection r-selection K-selection c-selection s-selection a-selection bet-hedging-selection fluctuating-selection correlational-selection multivariate-selection indirect-selection correlated-response genetic-correlation phenotypic-correlation environmental-correlation correlation-matrix variance-covariance-matrix G-matrix P-matrix E-matrix M-matrix quantitative-genetics heritability narrow-sense-heritability broad-sense-heritability genetic-variance additive-genetic-variance dominance-variance epistatic-variance environmental-variance phenotypic-variance genotype-environment-interaction-variance maternal-variance paternal-variance common-environment-variance special-environment-variance measurement-error-variance response-to-selection realized-heritability predicted-response breeder's-equation selection-gradient selection-differential Lande-equation multivariate-breeder's-equation genetic-constraint evolutionary-constraint developmental-constraint functional-constraint phylogenetic-constraint historical-constraint trade-off allocation-trade-off acquisition-trade-off conversion-trade-off maintenance-trade-off reproduction-survival-trade-off growth-reproduction-trade-off immune-reproduction-trade-off stress-reproduction-trade-off foraging-predation-trade-off competition-colonization-trade-off tolerance-resistance-trade-off plasticity-canalization-trade-off generalist-specialist-trade-off speed-accuracy-trade-off exploration-exploitation-trade-off individual-colony-trade-off within-colony-trade-off between-colony-trade-off life-history-trade-off demographic-trade-off ecological-trade-off evolutionary-trade-off optimization maximization minimization satisficing marginal-value-theorem optimal-foraging-theory optimal-diet-theory central-place-foraging patch-use-theory giving-up-density giving-up-time predation-risk energetic-cost opportunity-cost handling-time search-time travel-time encounter-rate prey-density prey-profitability prey-choice diet-breadth niche-width niche-overlap niche-partitioning resource-selection habitat-selection settlement-choice nest-site-choice host-choice oviposition-choice foraging-choice path-choice route-choice central-place territory core-area edge-area boundary perimeter area volume shape configuration spatial-pattern temporal-pattern diel-pattern seasonal-pattern annual-pattern multiannual-pattern cyclical-pattern irregular-pattern random-pattern clumped-pattern uniform-pattern regular-pattern aggregated-pattern overdispersed-pattern underdispersed-pattern Poisson-distribution negative-binomial-distribution Taylor's-power-law spatial-autocorrelation temporal-autocorrelation cross-correlation spectral-analysis wavelet-analysis time-series-analysis population-time-series community-time-series ecosystem-time-series long-term-study long-term-monitoring long-term-experiment chronosequence space-for-time-substitution paleoecology paleontology fossil-record trace-fossil coprolite nest-fossil amber-inclusion subfossil quaternary holocene pleistocene neogene paleogene cretaceous mesozoic cenozoic geological-time deep-time evolutionary-time ecological-time generational-time physiological-time perception-time reaction-time decision-time memory-time learning-time developmental-time life-span colony-lifespan queen-lifespan worker-lifespan male-lifespan larval-development-time pupal-development-time egg-development-time incubation-time doubling-time half-life relaxation-time resilience-time resistance-time lag-time lead-time forecast-time prediction-time planning-time management-time conservation-time restoration-time mitigation-time adaptation-time speciation-time diversification-time extinction-time persistence-time transience-time ephemerality permanence stability instability equilibrium non-equilibrium steady-state dynamic-state transient-state asymptotic-state attractor repeller limit-cycle chaos stochasticity determinism predictability unpredictability complexity emergence self-organization pattern-formation spatial-self-organization temporal-self-organization spatiotemporal-self-organization swarm-intelligence collective-decision-making consensus-decision quorum-response wisdom-of-crowds information-cascade cultural-evolution gene-culture-coevolution niche-construction extended-phenotype extended-organism superorganism colony-as-individual colony-as-unit-of-selection group-selection multilevel-selection reciprocal-altruism by-product-mutualism amensalism competition predation herbivory parasitism parasitoidism chemical-mimicry tactile-mimicry visual-mimicry acoustic-mimicry defensive-mimicry Vavilovian-mimicry Bakerian-mimicry Gilbertian-mimicry Poultonian-mimicry Browerian-mimicry auto-mimicry intra-specific-mimicry inter-specific-mimicry molecular-mimicry cellular-mimicry tissue-mimicry organ-mimicry behavioral-mimicry reproductive-mimicry social-mimicry nest-mimicry food-mimicry predator-mimicry prey-mimicry host-mimicry guest-mimicry cleptoparasite cuckoo-parasite inquiline guest myrmecophile termitophile aphidophile coccidophile scale-insect-associate mealybug-associate whitefly-associate planthopper-associate treehopper-associate leafhopper-associate cicada-associate butterfly-associate moth-associate beetle-associate fly-associate wasp-associate bee-associate ant-associate spider-associate mite-associate tick-associate nematode-associate flatworm-associate roundworm-associate annelid-associate mollusk-associate crustacean-associate millipede-associate centipede-associate insect-associate vertebrate-associate bird-associate mammal-associate reptile-associate amphibian-associate fish-associate plant-associate fungus-associate bacteria-associate virus-associate archaea-associate protist-associate algae-associate lichen-associate bryophyte-associate pteridophyte-associate gymnosperm-associate angiosperm-associate monocot-associate dicot-associate herb-associate shrub-associate tree-associate vine-associate epiphyte-associate lithophyte-associate rheophyte-associate hydrophyte-associate xerophyte-associate mesophyte-associate hygrophyte-associate sciophyte-associate heliophyte-associate pioneer-plant-associate climax-plant-associate disturbance-plant-associate successional-plant-associate ant-plant-protection-mutualism ant-plant-food-body-mutualism ant-plant-domatia-mutualism ant-plant-extrafloral-nectary-mutualism ant-plant-seed-dispersal-mutualism ant-plant-pollination-mutualism ant-plant-agriculture-mutualism ant-fungus-mutualism ant-bacteria-mutualism ant-virus-mutualism ant-nematode-mutualism ant-mite-mutualism ant-tick-mutualism ant-spider-mutualism ant-wasp-mutualism ant-fly-mutualism ant-beetle-mutualism ant-butterfly-mutualism ant-moth-mutualism ant-bird-mutualism ant-mammal-mutualism ant-reptile-mutualism ant-amphibian-mutualism ant-fish-mutualism ant-human-mutualism ant-domestic-animal-mutualism ant-pest-mutualism ant-crop-mutualism ant-forest-mutualism ant-savanna-mutualism ant-grassland-mutualism ant-desert-mutualism ant-wetland-mutualism ant-riverine-mutualism ant-riparian-mutualism ant-montane-mutualism ant-lowland-mutualism ant-coastal-mutualism ant-island-mutualism ant-continental-mutualism ant-tropical-mutualism ant-temperate-mutualism ant-subtropical-mutualism ant-boreal-mutualism ant-austral-mutualism ant-paleotropical-mutualism ant-neotropical-mutualism ant-afrotropical-mutualism ant-oriental-mutualism ant-palearctic-mutualism ant-nearctic-mutualism ant-holarctic-mutualism ant-pan-tropical-mutualism ant-cosmopolitan-mutualism ant-endemic-mutualism ant-widespread-mutualism ant-restricted-mutualism ant-rare-mutualism ant-common-mutualism ant-abundant-mutualism ant-scarce-mutualism ant-threatened-mutualism ant-invasive-mutualism ant-native-mutualism ant-exotic-mutualism ant-introduced-mutualism ant-naturalized-mutualism ant-feral-mutualism ant-urban-mutualism ant-rural-mutualism ant-agricultural-mutualism ant-natural-mutualism ant-anthropogenic-mutualism ant-pristine-mutualism ant-degraded-mutualism ant-restored-mutualism ant-conserved-mutualism ant-managed-mutualism ant-sustainable-mutualism ant-unsustainable-mutualism ant-resilient-mutualism ant-fragile-mutualism ant-robust-mutualism ant-vulnerable-mutualism ant-resistant-mutualism ant-susceptible-mutualism ant-tolerant-mutualism ant-intolerant-mutualism ant-flexible-mutualism ant-inflexible-mutualism ant-plastic-mutualism ant-canalized-mutualism ant-adaptive-mutualism ant-maladaptive-mutualism ant-optimal-mutualism ant-suboptimal-mutualism ant-efficient-mutualism ant-inefficient-mutualism ant-productive-mutualism ant-unproductive-mutualism ant-successful-mutualism ant-unsuccessful-mutualism ant-stable-mutualism ant-unstable-mutualism ant-persistent-mutualism ant-transient-mutualism ant-obligate-mutualism ant-facultative-mutualism ant-specific-mutualism ant-generalized-mutualism ant-exclusive-mutualism ant-non-exclusive-mutualism ant-symbiotic-mutualism ant-non-symbiotic-mutualism ant-trophic-mutualism ant-defensive-mutualism ant-dispersive-mutualism ant-pollination-mutualism ant-agriculture-mutualism ant-construction-mutualism ant-nutrient-mutualism ant-protection-mutualism ant-cleaning-mutualism ant-transport-mutualism ant-storage-mutualism ant-processing-mutualism ant-consumption-mutualism ant-production-mutualism ant-exchange-mutualism ant-reciprocity-mutualism ant-by-product-mutualism ant-investment-mutualism ant-harvest-mutualism ant-cultivation-mutualism ant-domestication-mutualism ant-selection-mutualism ant-breeding-mutualism ant-engineering-mutualism ant-modification-mutualism ant-creation-mutualism ant-destruction-mutualism ant-transformation-mutualism ant-conversion-mutualism ant-utilization-mutualism ant-exploitation-mutualism ant-cooperation-mutualism ant-competition-mutualism ant-conflict-mutualism ant-resolution-mutualism ant-negotiation-mutualism ant-communication-mutualism ant-signal-mutualism ant-cue-mutualism ant-information-mutualism ant-knowledge-mutualism ant-learning-mutualism ant-memory-mutualism ant-cognition-mutualism ant-intelligence-mutualism ant-decision-mutualism ant-choice-mutualism ant-preference-mutualism ant-motivation-mutualism ant-emotion-mutualism ant-stress-mutualism ant-welfare-mutualism ant-health-mutualism ant-disease-mutualism ant-immunity-mutualism ant-resistance-mutualism ant-tolerance-mutualism ant-recovery-mutualism ant-healing-mutualism ant-therapy-mutualism ant-medicine-mutualism ant-prevention-mutualism ant-security-mutualism ant-safety-mutualism ant-risk-mutualism ant-hazard-mutualism ant-threat-mutualism ant-danger-mutualism ant-damage-mutualism ant-injury-mutualism ant-death-mutualism ant-mortality-mutualism ant-survival-mutualism ant-longevity-mutualism ant-reproduction-mutualism ant-fertility-mutualism ant-fecundity-mutualism ant-sterility-mutualism ant-virginity-mutualism ant-mating-mutualism ant-copulation-mutualism ant-insemination-mutualism ant-fertilization-mutualism ant-egg-mutualism ant-laying-mutualism ant-incubation-mutualism ant-hatching-mutualism ant-emergence-mutualism ant-eclosion-mutualism ant-molting-mutualism ant-ecdysis-mutualism ant-metamorphosis-mutualism ant-development-mutualism ant-growth-mutualism ant-differentiation-mutualism ant-maturation-mutualism ant-aging-mutualism ant-senescence-mutualism ant-decomposition-mutualism ant-recycling-mutualism ant-energy-mutualism ant-carbon-mutualism ant-nitrogen-mutualism ant-phosphorus-mutualism ant-sulfur-mutualism ant-water-mutualism ant-oxygen-mutualism ant-hydrogen-mutualism ant-mineral-mutualism ant-vitamin-mutualism ant-hormone-mutualism ant-enzyme-mutualism ant-protein-mutualism ant-lipid-mutualism ant-carbohydrate-mutualism ant-nucleic-acid-mutualism ant-DNA-mutualism ant-RNA-mutualism ant-gene-mutualism ant-genome-mutualism ant-chromosome-mutualism ant-cell-mutualism ant-tissue-mutualism ant-organ-mutualism ant-system-mutualism ant-organism-mutualism ant-individual-mutualism ant-colony-mutualism ant-population-mutualism ant-species-mutualism ant-genus-mutualism ant-family-mutualism ant-order-mutualism ant-class-mutualism ant-phylum-mutualism ant-kingdom-mutualism ant-domain-mutualism ant-life-mutualism ant-earth-mutualism ant-universe-mutualism
Dermacentor
Dog Ticks, American Levi tick
Dermacentor is a genus of hard ticks (family Ixodidae) with 43 recognized species as of 2025. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, occurring on all continents except Australia, with most species in the Nearctic ecozone. Members are obligate blood-feeding parasites of mammals, including large ungulates, lagomorphs, and humans. Several species are medically significant vectors of human and animal pathogens, including the agents of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Q fever, tularemia, and tick paralysis.
tick vector medical-entomology veterinary-entomology parasite hematophagy
Dermacentor albipictus
winter tick, moose tick
Dermacentor albipictus, commonly known as the winter tick or moose tick, is a one-host hard tick native to North America. It is primarily known as a serious pest of moose (Alces alces), with heavy infestations of up to 150,000 ticks documented on individual animals, often leading to death. The tick also parasitizes other cervids including elk, white-tailed deer, mule deer, and caribou, as well as cattle and horses. Unlike many tick species, D. albipictus is not known to transmit disease pathogens to humans, wildlife, or domestic animals. Its life cycle spans approximately one year, with all feeding stages occurring on a single host.
tick parasite moose cervid one-host-life-cycle winter-active North-America wildlife-disease climate-sensitive
Elthusa californica
Elthusa californica is a marine parasitic isopod in the family Cymothoidae. It attaches to the gill chambers of fish hosts and feeds on blood and tissue. The species occurs along the Pacific coast from California to Peru. Originally described as Lironeca californica, it was later transferred to Elthusa following taxonomic revision.
marine parasite isopod cymothoid fish-parasite Pacific-coast ectoparasite gill-parasite hybridization indicator-species