Physiological and behaviour changes in common lizards parasitized by haemogregarines

Abstract

SUMMARY The effect of haemoparasites on the physiology and behaviour traits of their hosts was examined using Haemogregarina sp., a parasite of the common lizard, Lacerta vivipara , from the south of France. Infection with haemogregarines was associated with a reduced haemoglobin concentration and an increased number of immature red blood cells. Parasitized individuals also showed a reduced oxygen consumption at rest and a lower locomotor speed. We also found that the multiplication rate of the parasite depended on the temperature at which the lizard was maintained. Between 21 and 28 °C the multiplication rate of the parasite was significantly lower than between 29 and 35 °C. This suggests that the parasites may suffer reproductive costs when hosts reduce their body temperature.