Parasite Life History Adaptations

The life history of parasites is affected by those processes that affect the adults, the immatures, and those processes that affect all life stages, albeit in different fashions. For example, mate finding and host finding are processes unique to the adults; in contrast, nutritional suitability of the host affects only the larval stage. Finally, processes like overcoming host immune responses are mediated both by adult female and immature larva, though both contribute or respond differently.

In most species of parasites, the larval stages are sessile or have limited mobility. Therefore, the adult female plays a key role, not only in mating and procuring adult food, but in ensuring that her progeny find a suitable host environment for feeding and survival.

The following is a summary of the behavioral, ecological and physiological adaptations influencing or mediating host-parasite interactions. We have identified those aspects that concern adults and immatures, and those aspects that are a continuum from adult female through parasite progeny.

• Reproductive Strategies
• Mate Finding
• Host Feeding
• Non-host Feeding
• Host Finding and Exploitation
• Growth and Development
• Foraging Strategies
• Synchrony with Resources