Carotenoid-Based Coulour Of Acanthocephalan Cystacanths Plays No Role In Host Manipulation

Main Category: Biology / Biochemistry
Also Included In: Veterinary
Article Date: 17 Sep 2008 - 6:00 PDT

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Several acanthocephalan species show carotenoid-based colorations which are visible through the translucid cuticle of their crustacean intermediate hosts.

It has been suggested that such colorations are adaptive through making intermediate hosts more conspicuous to fish which are final hosts for the parasite.

Using painted mimics that accurately reflect the appearance of infected crustaceans, we show that parasite colour has actually no effect on the increased vulnerability of intermediate hosts to final ones, which is essentially due to changes in behaviour associated with infection.

The adaptive function of the carotenoid-based coloration of acanthocephalans, if any, remains a mystery.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Proceedings B is the Royal Society's flagship biological research journal, dedicated to the rapid publication and broad dissemination of high-quality research papers, reviews and comment and reply papers. The scope of journal is diverse and is especially strong in organismal biology.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences