Effects of an entomopathogenic fungus on the reproductive potential of males.

While mortality is often the primary focus of pathogen virulence, non-lethal consequences, particularly for male reproductive fitness, are less understood; however, they are essential for understanding how sexual selection contributes to promoting resistance. We investigated how the fungal pathogen affects mating ability, fertility, and seminal fluid protein (SFP) expression of male paired with highly receptive virgin females in non-competitive settings. Depending on sex and dose, there was a 3-6-day incubation period after infection, followed by an abrupt onset of mortality.

Individual level microbial communities in the digestive system of the freshwater isopod Asellus aquaticus: Complex, robust and prospective.

The freshwater isopod Asellus aquaticus is an important decomposer of leaf detritus, and its diverse gut microbiome has been depicted as key contributors in lignocellulose degradation as of terrestrial isopods. However, it is not clear whether the individual-level microbiome profiles in the isopod digestive system across different habitats match the implied robust digestion function of the microbiome. Here, we described the bacterial diversity and abundance in the digestive system (hindgut and caeca) of multiple A.