Shared haemogregarine infections in competing lacertids

Abstract

In parasite–host interactions host species may differ in their ability to fight parasitic infections, while other ecological interactions, including competition, may differentially alter their physiological state, making them even more susceptible to parasites. In this study, we analyse the haemogregarine blood parasites infecting two competing lizard species, Iberolacerta horvathi and Podarcis muralis, and explore host–parasite relationships under different host competition scenarios. Both species were infected with haemogregarine parasites belonging to the genus Karyolysus. Using the 18S rRNA gene, six new Karyolysus haplotypes were identified clustering with other Central and Eastern European samples, and widely shared between both lizard hosts. Haemogregarine infections were detected at all sampled sites with over 50% of individuals parasitized. Overall, I. horvathi was more frequently and also more intensely parasitized than P. muralis, with higher infection rates observed in syntopy. Males of both species tended to be more frequently infected and showed a higher infection intensity than conspecific females. The results suggest that parasitisation by haemogregarines may be relevant in the dynamics of the competitive relationship between these lizard species. More studies, including immunological response analysis, and the identification of the vectors are needed to better understand host–parasite relationships and competition.

Differential recovery ability from infections by two blood parasite genera in males of a Mediterranean lacertid lizard after an experimental translocation

“…Karyolysus intensity tends to increase in correlation with male reproductive investment, as well as in ecological contexts of putative high competition and high environmental stress (Dajčman et al, 2022;Megía-Palma et al, 2016;Megía-Palma, Arregui, et al, 2020). This suggests that immune control of this parasite remains under equilibrium in lizards, unless energy is allocated to other physiologically demanding processes, such as reproduction (Megía-Palma, Merino, et al, 2022).…”

“…No relationship was found between parasitemia of Karyolysus and nuptial coloration, travelled distance, or other parasites despite mites increased in translocated lizards and body condition decreased (see Barrientos & Megía‐Palma, 2021). This is remarkable, because Karyolysus intensity tends to increase in correlation with male reproductive investment, as well as in ecological contexts of putative high competition and high environmental stress (Dajčman et al, 2022; Megía‐Palma et al, 2016; Megía‐Palma, Arregui, et al, 2020). This suggests that immune control of this parasite remains under equilibrium in lizards, unless energy is allocated to other physiologically demanding processes, such as reproduction (Megía‐Palma, Merino, et al, 2022).…”

First helminthological data on the Iberian adder, Vipera seoanei

“…Although the studies on the community ecology of parasites in European reptiles have increased in the last few decades (Martin and Roca 2005 ; Megía-Palma et al 2018 ; Drechsler et al 2021a , b ; Dajčman et al 2022 ), snake parasites have received limited attention (but see Aho 1990 ; Santos et al 2006 ; Tomé et al 2012 , 2014 ). In this sense, two of the three Iberian viper species, Vipera aspis Linnaeus 1758 and Vipera latastei Boscá 1878, have been helminthologically studied (Sánchez-Mut et al 2004 ; Santos et al 2006 ; Ribas et al 2010 ).…”