Physiological and behaviour changes in common lizards parasitized by haemogregarines

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 degrees C the multiplication rate of the parasite was significantly lower than between 29 and 35 degrees C. This suggests that the parasites map suffer reproductive costs when hosts reduce their body temperature.