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Title: Parasitism of Neoconocephalus katydids by the parasitoid fly, Ormia lineifrons
Abstract Mating signals of insects do not only attract their intended receivers but also eavesdropping parasites and/or predators. As a result, an arms race between the host or prey and the eavesdropper ensues, propelling their co‐evolution and potentially contributing to their diversification. Here, we investigate the species interaction of the flyOrmia lineifronsthat usesNeoconocephaluskatydids as hosts for its lethal larvae. We surveyed the host use ofO. lineifronsover a 2‐year period in Kentucky and determined which species were used as hosts, the parasitism rate of each katydid host, and how many generations per year the fly displays. Four of the six surveyedNeoconocephalusspecies were parasitized and killed (Neoconocephalus triops,Neoconocephalus velox,Neoconocephalus robustus,Neoconocephalus nebrascensis) byO. lineifrons. Three of these katydid species were previously not known to be hosts ofO. lineifrons. Two of the six species were not parasitized in either year (Neoconocephalus bivocatus,Neoconocephalus retusus) even thoughO. lineifronswas active when they called. The parasitism rate of each host peaked between 38% and 100% across years. The fly had three distinct generations per year, and each generation used different katydid species as hosts. We discuss the importance of the synchronization of the three fly generations with their hosts as well as potential counteradaptations of the hosts. These semi‐independent arms races could provide valuable insights in the diversification of the hosts and their parasitoid.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1755118
PAR ID:
10361223
Author(s) / Creator(s):
 ;  
Publisher / Repository:
Wiley-Blackwell
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Ethology
Volume:
128
Issue:
2
ISSN:
0179-1613
Page Range / eLocation ID:
p. 111-118
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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