Chewing lice

• Published in: Parasitology research (1987) Vol. 106; no. 5; p. 925
• Main Authors: Sychra, Oldrich, Najer, Tomas, Kounek, Filip, Capek, Miroslav, Literak, Ivan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Springer 01.03.2010
• Subjects: Biology; Discovery and exploration; Health aspects; Host-parasite relationships; Identification and classification; Lice; Phenetics; Physiological aspects; Costa Rica
• ISSN: 0932-0113; 1432-1955
• DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-1768-3

One hundred and seventy individuals of five species of manakins (Passeriformes: Pipridae) were examined for chewing lice (Phthiraptera) in Costa Rica. Six species of chewing lice were identified. Chewing lice or their eggs were found on 26% individuals (28 positive/109 examined) of Long-tailed Manakins (Chiroxiphia linearis), the most numerous manakin species examined. There were significant differences in prevalences and intensities of infestation between males and females. No lice were found on females (n=28) compared to 35% (24 positive/69 examined) prevalence in males. In older males, the higher prevalence and mean intensity of infestation was found. Description and illustrations are given for a new species of the genus Tyranniphilopterus Mey, 2004 from Long-tailed Manakin--Tyranniphilopterus toledo Sychra, sp. n. Both sexes of Tyranniphilopterus bruneri (Carriker, 1903) are redescribed. New host records are Long-tailed Manakin and White-collared Manakin (Manacus candei)for Ricinus invadens; White-ruffed Manakin (Corapipo altera) for Ricinus pessimalis; Long-tailed Manakin for Myrsidea andyolsoni. These are the first louse records from Long-tailed Manakin.