Experimental female flies were held in vials with either 1) a male fly (mated groups) or 2) a companion female (unmated groups - the companion fly had a wing clipped to distinguish them from the experimental fly. Flies were moved to new vials every 3 or 4 days, replacing the companion as needed. Flies were checked for survival every 24 hours. Exp 1: Flies were held on agar vials and only survival was measured. Exp 2: Flies were held on a drosophila media-potato-cactus blend and the vials were retained after experimental flies died/were moved. Vials were retained for 2 weeks and the number of offspring (adult offspring + pupae) was calculated for each fly.

We assayed the longevity and reproductive output of Drosophila nigrospiracula exposed or not exposed to ectoparasitic Macrocheles subbadius accross a mesh barrier. As such we measured the non-consumptive effects (extending the ecology of fear to host-parasite systems) of an ectoparasite on host fecundity and survival. We found that exposure to mites, without infection, caused flies to live shorter lives and produce fewer offspring.

A meta sheet describes all variables. Experiments are more fully described in "Proximity to parasites reduces host fitness independent of infection in a Drosophila–Macrocheles system". In Exp 2, 1 fly outlived the experimental period. This fly was excluded from longevity but not fecundity analysis. (doi.org/10.1017/S0031182018000379)