Seasonal dynamics in the numbers of parasitic bugs (Heteroptera, Cimicidae): a possible cause of roost switching in bats (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae)

Abstract

The objective of the present paper is to extend the knowledge of roosting strategies of bats and the interaction of bats with their roost ectoparasites, the bat bugs Cimex pipistrelli. The project was focussed on the potential causality of bat movements and the variation in bug numbers. For 2 years, three model bat boxes with breeding female Pipistrellus pygmaeus were monitored inside floodplain forest. After the arrival of bats in May, adults and first instars of bugs were observed in the boxes. During the lactation period in June, when the bats did not occupy the roosts, the first instar bugs died out followed by the adults. The decrease in bug numbers began only several days after the bats had left the boxes. After a month of the bats' absence, the abundance of adult bugs decreased by half of their number. Only the eggs survived the period when the roosts were unoccupied in summer. In mid-July, after the arrival of lactating females, an increase in the number of bugs was observed. At the beginning of August, however, no new eggs were found. Although adult C. pipistrelli are able to survive the winter period in the boxes, the bats, by shifting the roosts within the vegetation season, prevent the massive reproduction of these parasites.

Which factors regulate the reproduction of ectoparasites of temperate-zone cave-dwelling bats?

“…1). The cessation or significant decrease of the reproductive activity of bat parasites during winters in temperate regions is well documented (e.g., Ryberg 1947;Reisen et al 1976;Deunff and Beaucournu 1981;Reckard and Kerth 2006;Bartonička and Gaisler 2007;Lourenço and Palmeirim 2007). In contrast, in tropical and subtropical regions, where temperature remains fairly constant, bat parasite species are reported to be able to reproduce all year round (e.g., Marshall 1970Marshall , 1971.…”

“…Among other features, temperature is known to influence the copulation behavior of parasites (e.g., Yuval 2006;Bartonička and Gaisler 2007), the deposition and development of its immature instars (e.g., Marshall 1970;Overal 1980, Tinsley 2004Reckardt and Kerth 2006;Shan et al 2006; Bartonička and Gaisler 2007;Minato et al 2008) and adult emergence (e.g., Marshall 1970). This influence may be particularly relevant in temperate zones, where temperature substantially fluctuates throughout the seasons (Marshall 1981).…”

“…Finally, temperate bats generally hibernate or enter deep torpor in cold roosts during winter, which likely exposes their parasites to particularly challenging environmental conditions. As far as we know, only few authors mentioned the relative role of host reproduction or ambient temperature in regulating the reproductive activity of bat parasites (e.g., Ryberg 1947;Marshall 1970Marshall , 1971Christe et al 2000;Reckardt and Kerth 2006;Bartonička and Gaisler 2007).…”

The sensory basis of roost finding in a forest bat,Nyctalus noctula

“…Lewis, 1995;Sedgeley and O'Donnell, 1999a;Siemers et al, 1999;Kerth et al, 2001;Willis and Brigham, 2004). Frequent switching may minimise predation risk and potentially reduce exposure to ectoparasites (Lewis, 1996;Reckardt and Kerth, 2006;Bartonicka and Gaisler, 2007). Roost switching may reduce the energetic costs of thermoregulation in response to changing weather conditions and bats' physiology with regard to reproduction (e.g.…”

Using Single Sensillum Recording to Detect Olfactory Neuron Responses of Bed Bugs to Semiochemicals

“…The common bed bug Cimex lectularius L (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), as a temporary ectoparasite, is an obligated blood-sucking insect, which means their survival, development, and reproduction require blood sources from hosts, including both humans and animals 1,2 . Although virus transmission has rarely been reported due to C. lectularius, the biting nuisance generated by an infestation seriously affects hosts both physically and psychologically 3 .…”