Ectoparasites of the Bobwhite Quail in Southern Illinois

Abstract

Species, numbers, seasonal occurrence, and effects of ectoparasites are reported for 339 bobwhite quail collected during 1956, 1959, and 1961 in southern Illinois; all months of the year were represented. The most common group of ectoparasites present was Mallophaga; Oxylipeurus clavatus occurred on 93% of the birds; Goniodes ortygis on 91%; Colinicola numidiana on 56%; and Menacanthus sp. on 43%. The number of lice per quail varied from 0 to 583 (mean, 34.1). All young-of-the-year birds were infested by August. Adult males (93%) were parasitized with an average of 32 lice each, while 98% of the females were infested with an average of 35 lice each. Lice occurred in greatest numbers during August and September; lowest infestation occurred in January and February. Two species of ticks, Haemaphysalis leporis-palustris and Dermacentor variabilis, in larval or nymph stages, were found on 22.7% of the quail. Quail containing the greatest number of rabbit ticks were living in close association with a high population of cottontail rabbits. The feather mites, Megninia cubitalis and Pterolichus sp., were present all months of the year, occurring on 81% of the birds examined. The nasal mite, Boydaia colini, recorded in 24% of 62 birds, was found only in the upper respiratory tract. No birds appeared to be adversely affected by ectoparasites.