Co-speciation between host-parasite species is generally thought to result in mirror-image congruent phylogenies. For the last several centuries, many bat species have been turning synanthropic, especially those that are hosted by bedbugs in Europe. There is evidence of only limited gene flow from the population of people to the population of bats. This study was focused on comparison of survival, development, and the reproduction rate based on cross-feeding experiments. In our research, we used two bedbugs groups of Cimex lectularius-bat- and human-associated and respectively as specific/non-specific host bat and commercial human blood. Both lineages show different behavior according to their host preferences. During the bat blood experiment, we found significant differences between both human- and bat-associated bedbugs (Log rank test fourth χ(2) = 9.93, p > 0.05; fifth χ(2) = 11.33, p < 0.05), while no differences occurred with the human blood experiment between the survival levels. In molting, differences between both groups were significant particularly in the case of the bat blood experiment (fourth χ(2) = 5.91, p < 0.05). In the case of the bat blood experiment, we found a higher probability of molting in bat-associated groups than in human-associated groups. In the case of the human blood experiment, molting probability was stable in both specific and non-specific, showing similar pattern in both cases for all stages. Our results indicate an occurrence of two ecotypes within the one species C. lectularius. These findings support earlier data about morphological and mitochondrial DNA differences. The differentiation of both lineages fits the concept of specific host choice.

Department of Botany and Zoology Masaryk University Kotlářská 2 611 37 Brno Czech Republic

Zobrazit více v PubMed

J Med Entomol. 2008 Mar;45(2):229-36 PubMed

Parasitol Res. 2008 Aug;103(3):587-94 PubMed

Lancet. 2001 Feb 24;357(9256):604 PubMed

Annu Rev Entomol. 2007;52:351-74 PubMed

J Med Entomol. 2008 Sep;45(5):956-8 PubMed

Parasitol Res. 2008 Dec;104(1):127-34 PubMed

J Med Entomol. 2007 Mar;44(2):175-8 PubMed

Oecologia. 2004 Mar;138(4):648-54 PubMed

Parasitology. 2012 Jan;139(1):60-8 PubMed

Parasitol Res. 2012 Jul;111(1):457-69 PubMed

Parasitol Res. 2012 Sep;111(3):1233-8 PubMed

Parasitol Res. 2007 May;100(6):1323-30 PubMed

Oecologia. 2000 Aug;124(3):351-357 PubMed

Parasitology. 1997 Oct;115 ( Pt 4):419-27 PubMed

Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2002 Apr 29;357(1420):471-92 PubMed

Mol Ecol. 2002 Jan;11(1):25-38 PubMed

Int J Parasitol. 2007 Jul;37(8-9):871-6 PubMed

Parasitology. 1971 Dec;63(3):507-12 PubMed

Parasitol Res. 2009 Oct;105(5):1345-9 PubMed

J Med Entomol. 2002 Jul;39(4):675-9 PubMed

Despite genetic isolation in sympatry, post-copulatory reproductive barriers have not evolved between bat- and human-associated common bedbugs (Cimex lectularius L.)

Male diet affects female fitness and sperm competition in human- and bat-associated lineages of the common bedbug, Cimex lectularius

Reproductive compatibility among populations and host-associated lineages of the common bed bug (Cimex lectularius L.)

Identification and age-dependence of pteridines in bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) and bat bugs (C. pipistrelli) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Aggregation behavior and reproductive compatibility in the family Cimicidae

Investigation of the midgut structure and ultrastructure in Cimex lectularius and Cimex pipistrelli (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)

Discrimination between lineage-specific shelters by bat- and human-associated bed bugs does not constitute a stable reproductive barrier

Reproduction barrier between two lineages of bed bug (Cimex lectularius) (Heteroptera: Cimicidae)