A. K. Saxena

Distribution Pattern of Phthirapterans Infesting Certain Common Indian Birds

The prevalence and frequency distribution patterns of 10 phthirapteran species infesting house sparrows, Indian parakeets, common mynas, and white breasted kingfishers were recorded in the district of Rampur, India, during 2004–05. The sample mean abundances, mean intensities, range of infestations, variance to mean ratios, values of the exponent of the negative binomial distribution, and the indices of discrepancy were also computed. Frequency distribution patterns of all phthirapteran species were skewed, but the observed frequencies did not correspond to the negative binomial distribution. Thus, adult–nymph ratios varied in different species from 1:0.53 to 1:1.25. Sex ratios of different phthirapteran species ranged from 1:1.10 to 1:1.65 and were female biased.

Population characteristics and the nature of egg shells of two Phthirapteran species parasitizing Indian cattle egrets

Abstract The prevalence, intensities of infestation, range of infestation and population composition of two phthirapteran species, Ardeicola expallidus Blagoveshtchensky (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae) and Ciconiphilus decimfasciatus Boisduval and Lacordaire (Menoponidae) on seventy cattle egrets were recorded during August 2004 to March 2005, in India. The frequency distribution patterns of both the species were skewed but did not correspond to the negative binomial model. The oviposition sites, egg laying patterns and the nature of the eggs of the two species were markedly different.

Bio-Ecology of the Louse, Upupicola upupae, Infesting the Common Hoopoe, Upupa epops

Abstract The population characteristics of the louse, Upupicola upupae (Shrank) (Mallophaga: Philopteridae: Ishnocera), infesting the Common Hoopae, Upupa epops L. (Aves: Upupiformes), were recorded during 2007–08 in District Rampur, Uttar Pradesh India. The pattern of frequency distribution of the louse conformed to the negative binomial model. The lice and its nits were reared in vitro at 35 ± 1° C, 75–82 % RH, on a feather diet. The data obtained was used to construct the life table and to determine the intrinsic rate of natural increase (0.035 female/day), the net reproductive rate was 3.67 female eggs/female, the generation time was 37 days, and the doubling time of the population was 19 days. The chaetotaxy of the three nymphal instars has also been noted to record their diagnostic characteristics. Information on egg morphology and antennal sensilla is also presented.

Intrinsic Rate of Natural Increase of Five Species of Ischnoceran Lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera) from India

ABSTRACT: Five ischnoceran lice (Brueelia cyclothorax, Sturnidoecus hannoo, Neopsittaconirmus elbeli, Columbicola columbae and Anaticola crassicornis) infesting the house sparrow, common myna, Indian parakeet, domestic pigeon and mallard duck, were reared in vitro conditions (35 ± 1°C, 75–82% RH, at a feather diet), to record the incubation period, adult longevity and daily egg rate. The data obtained were used to construct the life table and to determine the intrinsic rate of natural increase (r). The values of r of aforesaid species were 0.032, 0.049, 0.050, 0.053 and 0.074 female per day, respectively. Likewise, the doubling time of the population differed, as follows, 21.35, 14.21, 13.93, 14.2 and 9.01 days, respectively. The results indicate that reproductive potentials of different phthirapteran species exhibit considerable variation.

Eggshell Morphology of Selected Indian Bird Lice (Phthiraptera: Amblycera and Ischnocera)

ABSTRACT: Microtopography of the eggshell of eight phthirapteran species infesting different avian hosts was studied by SEM. Nature of the markings present on the egg chorion of species studied was compared to the eggshells of already described species. It was found that the markings present on the egg cases of avian lice could be used to differentiate the genera and species. The occurrence of Goniocotes jirufti and Menacanthus kalatitar on brown partridges is noted for the first time.

Stray notes on two phthirapteran species occurring on Indian grey Horn Bill, Tockus birostris Scopoli (Coraciformes: Bucerotidae).

Two phthirapteran species (an amblyceran Chapinia clayae and an ischnoceran, Buceroemersonia clarkei) were recovered from eight Indian grey Horn Bills, during 2009 in district Rampur (India). The occurrence of B. clarkei on Indian birds has not been noted earlier. The population characteristics of both the species have been recorded. On the basis of crop contents C. clayae appeared to be a probable haematophagous. The egg chorion of B. clarkei appeared smooth that of C.clayae bears sculpturing.

Population levels of Phthiraptera on Greylag Goose, Anser anser (L.)

OBJECTIVE The present study was performed to record the mean monthly prevalence, intensity of infestation, sample mean abundance and frequency distribution pattern of one phthirapteran species infesting of A. anseris. METHODS Ten birds were examined every month. Infested birds were deloused. The bird was placed in a polythene bag containing a wool of cotton soaked in chloroform (head protruded out to allow breathing). After 10 minutes, the birds feathers were ruffled on a white plastic sheet placed below. The head was examined separately. The louse load was transferred to 70% alcohol and separated stage wise and sex wise. RESULTS A total of 339 specimens of A. anseris were recovered from 66 infested hosts. Male-female ratio was 1: 1.8. Prevalence of Anaticola anseris was 55% (n=120). The sample mean abundance was 2.38 lice/bird. Variance to mean ratio exceeded unity (10.70). The index of discrepancy (D) was 0.75 and the value of exponent of negative binomial (k) remained 0.334.The observed and expected frequencies did not differ significantly (χ2= 13.33, df= 15, p=0.05). CONCLUSION The prevalence of A. anseris on Indian greylag goose was high but its intensity remained quite low. The distribution pattern of A. anseris conformed the negative binomial model.The temperature, photoperiod and heat index exhibited significant positive correlations with the prevalence of A. anseris.

Menacanthus palmai, a new species of chewing louse (Menoponidae: Amblycera: Phthiraptera) from the Coturnix coromandelica

The new species Menacanthus palmai collected from Coturnix coromandelica (Gmelin), in Rampur district (UP), India, is described and illustrated. Morphologically the new species is close to M. abdominalis from Coturnix coturnix but differs in having long pointed ventral processes on the postero-medial angles of the second to fifth pleurites. Furthermore, these two species also differ in the number of tergal and sternal abdominal setae, and the morphology of the male genitalia. Another species, Menacanthus pallipes from C. chinensis, does not have ventral processes on the postero-medial angles of pleurites.

Egg Laying Site and Oviposition Pattern of Two Phthirapteran Species Parasitizing Red Whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus)

OBJECTIVE Present study was performed to record the oviposition and egg laying pattern of two phthirapteran species infesting red whiskered Bulbul. METHODS The number of egg laid by each species on different parts of body was recorded by direct observation under stereozoom binocular microscope. Feathers bearing egg were subjected to SEM to observe the pattern of egg laying. RESULTS The maximum percentage of egg of the ischnoceran louse, Brueelia guldum were recorded on feather of back region, followed by neck and breast. The amblyceran louse, Menacanthus eurysternus prefers to lay eggs mainly on neck, head and nape feathers. CONCLUSION The ischnoceran louse, Brueelia guldum exhibits widespread oviposition sites while amblyceran louse, Menacanthus eurysternus shows restricted oviposition sites on the host body.

Myrsidea agarwali sp. n. (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) from Garrulax lineatus lineatus (Passeriformes: Timaliidae).

A new species of chewing louse, Myrsidea agarwali, is described from Garrulax lineatus lineatus (Passeriformes: Timaliidae) from the Rampur district (India). A key is provided for the identification of males and females of Myrsidea from birds of the genus Garrulax.