Altered behavior and distribution of pea aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Homoptera : Aphididae), infected with Pandora neoaphidis (Zygomycetes : Entomophthorales)

The distribution and mobility of infected aphid hosts can have a great effe ct on the ability of a pathogen to spread throughout a population. The dist ribution of dead and living pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) infected with Pandora neoaphidis was compared with that of their healthy conspecifics. In fected aphids were significantly more likely to be found on the undersides of alfalfa leaves and off of the plants than were healthy aphids. These two shifts in microhabitat location have potential costs and benefits for both the host and the pathogen.