Trade-offs between reproduction and behavioural resistance against ectoparasite infection

In these experiments we tested if 1) mated female flies (Drosophila nigrospiracula) are more vulnerable to ectoparasite mite (Macrocheles subbadius) infection then unmated conspecifics. 2) If a rest period to recover from male harassment following mating improved resistance to mites and 3) if reduced endurance following mating may explain differential resistance abilities between mated and unmated female flies.

Methods
Data was originally collected from lab observations of Drosophila nigrospiracula exposed to the mite Macrocheles subbadius. Exposure experiments were conducted in micro-areans (cropped pippette tips) with 5 mites: 1 Fly. Geotaxis assays were conducted in indivdual vials. All methods are described in "Trade-offs between reproduction and behavioural resistance against ectoparasite infection" in Physiology & Behavior, by Collin J Horn and Lien T Luong (2021). Original data (lab observations) are reported here prior to analysis (stastical analysis performed in Horn and Luong 2021).