Parasites promote mating success: the case of a midge and a mite

Article Abstract:

Infestation by the hydracharinid mite Unionicola ypsilophora significantly improves the chances of mating for a male chironomid midge Paratrichocladius rufiventris. This finding goes against the hypothesis that large ectoparasites limit the mating success of male midges, which rely on aerobatic ability to capture mates in flight. There are several possible explanations for this, including adaptive manipulation of the host by the parasite.

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Small males are more symmetrical: mating success in the midge Chironomus plumosus L. (Diptera: Chironomidae)

Article Abstract:

Research conducted in Chironomus plumosus midges find that the mating success depends on the fluctuating asymmetry in the male characters, and the success of symmetrical male is due to his improved aerobatic ability. Male Chironomus plumosus, successful at acquiring mates, show lower levels of fluctuating asymmetry in the length of wing than their rivals. Small males are found to be more successful in acquiring mates.

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Is infestation the result of adaptive choice behaviour by the parasite? A study of mites and midges

Article Abstract:

The possibility that hydracharinid mites choose their hosts, the chironomid midge is considered. In an experiment fewer mites were rejected by hosts if there was a choice of host, indicating that they actively choose which individual to parasitize. Fluctuating asymmetry in wing length was a good indicator of mite infestation in midge species collected in the wild.

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