Maico Weites | University of Groningen (original) (raw)
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Parasitism affects a wide range of organisms and the interactions between the host and the parasi... more Parasitism affects a wide range of organisms and the interactions between the host and the parasite can lead to an evolutionary arms race. Parasitism comes in different forms and one of them is social parasitism. In social parasitism, an organism parasitises on the relationship between members of the host species. Ant colonies are home to numerous social parasites that take advantage of how ant workers take care of the queen and her brood. In this thesis we will focus on socially parasitic ants and butterflies. Their ecology and the different ways and mimicries used to be accepted into the colony of their host, are observed. Also the evolution of these parasitic life styles and possible evolutionary arms race are discussed and recent data is used to support the claims that are made. Parasitic ants can be divided into different groups: species that feed on ant regurgitations (xenobionts), species that kill queen and take over a colony (temporary parasites), slave-makers and species t...
Parasitism affects a wide range of organisms and the interactions between the host and the parasi... more Parasitism affects a wide range of organisms and the interactions between the host and the parasite can lead to an evolutionary arms race. Parasitism comes in different forms and one of them is social parasitism. In social parasitism, an organism parasitises on the relationship between members of the host species. Ant colonies are home to numerous social parasites that take advantage of how ant workers take care of the queen and her brood. In this thesis we will focus on socially parasitic ants and butterflies. Their ecology and the different ways and mimicries used to be accepted into the colony of their host, are observed. Also the evolution of these parasitic life styles and possible evolutionary arms race are discussed and recent data is used to support the claims that are made. Parasitic ants can be divided into different groups: species that feed on ant regurgitations (xenobionts), species that kill queen and take over a colony (temporary parasites), slave-makers and species t...