Quit bugging me: phorid fly parasitoids affect expression of an immune gene in foraging fire ant workers

Abstract Host-parasitoid interactions are complex. A parasitoid can change its host’s behavior by direct infection or simply presence in the shared environment. In red imported fire ant (RIFA, Solenopsis invicta ), workers display defensive postures to avoid potential parasitism when decapitating flies ( Pseudacteon spp.) hover above them. addition changes of individual ants, RIFA colonies limit their foraging present. To further understand these interactions, we investigated molecular basis at colony level. By quantifying expression S. gene Sifor odorant binding protein 11 , and immune genes unknown status exposed control over a 48-h period, aimed provide information on processes related RIFA. We found upregulation an gene, defensin-2 fly parasitoids. However, did not detect significant differences levels three other function: abaecin, cytochrome P450 4C1-like hymenoptaecin. Although parasitoids foraged less than (flies absent), they experience correlated with worker caste performance, upregulated foragers. These results show that associated diminished activity set into place mere early stages phorid infection.