Experimental infection ofTribolium confusum(Coleoptera) byHymenolepis diminuta(Cestoda): host fecundity during infection

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Abstract
SUMMARY: Some effects ofHymenolepis diminutaon the fecundity ofTribolium confusumare described. Host fecundity is observed to be reduced exponentially with increasing parasite burden/host, although there are differences in the ability of individual hosts to respond to parasitism. Of particular interest is the finding that host fecundity is greatly reduced in young beetles on or by day 14 post-infection (p.i.). This age-related reduction in host fecundity is discussed in relation to the population dynamics of this hostr-parasite relationship.