A microsporidium from H. convergens was transmitted horizontally to three non-target coccinellids (Adalia bipunctata L., Coccinella septempunctata L. and Harmonia axyridis Pallas) under laboratory conditions. The effects of microsporidiosis on larval development, larval mortality, sex ratio, fecundity and adult longevity were examined. For all beetle species, larval development was prolonged as...

Two hypotheses for how conditions for larval mosquitoes affect vectorial capacity make opposite predictions about the relationship of adult size and frequency of infection with vector-borne pathogens. Competition among larvae produces small adult females. The competition-susceptibility hypothesis postulates that small females are more susceptible to infection and predicts frequency of infection...

Life-long lack of growth hormone (GH) action can produce remarkable extension of longevity in mice. Here we report that GH treatment limited to a few weeks during development influences the lifespan of long-lived Ames dwarf and normal littermate control mice in a genotype and sex-specific manner. Studies in a separate cohort of Ames dwarf mice show that this short period of the GH exposure duri...

Having a purpose in life has been cited consistently as an indicator of healthy aging for several reasons, including its potential for reducing mortality risk. In the current study, we sought to extend previous findings by examining whether purpose in life promotes longevity across the adult years, using data from the longitudinal Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) sample. Proportional-hazard...

Freshwater ecosystems are positioned at low levels in the landscape and receive large inputs of diverse plant-based detritus, a major source of energy for consumers in aquatic ecosystems. We conducted Þeld experiments in Urbana, IL to determine the independent and combined effects of leaves of common tree species including thenorthern redoak (Quercus rubraL.), sugarmaple (Acer saccharumMarshall...

The larvae of insect herbivores feed on plants that may vary nutritionally (qualitatively and/or quantitatively) over the course development. Plant quality change in response to interactions with biotic environment turn affect development and biomass insects feeding these plants. However, many gregariously comparatively small limited also experience variation quantity plant food available. Pier...