Scientists ought to apply universally accepted definitions to technical terms to enable precise communication and discussion. Throughout history, many definitions have shifted, such as those of important terms in evolutionary biology, modes of life, and the nature of interactions. Conversely, throughout history, important terms have been used without proper definition. Two such terms are parasites and pathogens. An extensive body of literature considers parasites and pathogens to be categorically negative, which has resulted in definitions that lack objectivity and limit a full understanding of the biology of these organisms. Different interpretations have resulted in shifting definitions, in turn causing confusion. Here, we present the remarkable history of both definitions, an overview of alternative definitions put forward throughout history, and a working definition for both terms. We find that the line between what is a parasite or a pathogen is often blurry, and is additionally complicated due to the multi-modal nature of interactions.

A rapid biodiversity assessment of insects and associated Laboulbeniales fungi was conducted over the course of five nights in August, 2018 at two central Florida lakes: Lake Eustis and the nearby protected and restored National Natural Landmark, Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area (EMCA), which encompasses a portion of Lake Griffin. These locations were selected because Lake Eustis was surveyed for Laboulbeniales in 1897 by mycologist Dr. Roland Thaxter, but has not since been investigated. Because Lake Eustis has been urbanized, with the lake perimeter almost entirely altered by human development, the site offers a look into Laboulbeniales diversity across a 121 year timeline, before and after human development. By surveying Lake Eustis and EMCA, a modern case study comparison of Laboulbeniales and insect diversity between a developed and unrestored system and a protected and restored system is made. A total of 4,022 insects were collected during the rapid assessment. Overall, insect abundance was greater at EMCA, with 3,001 insects collected, compared to 1,021 insects collected from Eustis. Though family level insect richness was comparable between sites, with 55 families present at EMCA and 56 at Eustis, 529 out of 3,001 (17.6%) of the insects collected at EMCA were hosts to parasitic Laboulbeniales fungi whereas only 2 out of 1,021 (0.19%) collected from Eustis were infected. There were 16 species of Laboulbeniales found at EMCA compared to only one at Eustis. The current number of Laboulbeniales species documented at Eustis was incredibly depauperate compared to the 27 species recorded by Thaxter in 1897, suggesting the possibility of utilizing Laboulbeniales as indicators of ecosystem health. A figure displaying host-parasite records and a species list of Laboulbeniales fungi is compiled and updated occurrence records for species of Ceratomyces and Hydrophilomyces are provided.