Host Specificity of Strigiphilus Owl Lice (Ischnocera: Philopteridae), with the Description of New Species and Host Associations

Abstract

Three new species and 11 new host associations are described for the cursitans species group of the genus Strigiphilus, the only genus of Mallophaga confined to owls (Strigiformes). The new species are S. schemskei ex Bubo coromandus, S. garylarsoni ex Otus leucotis, and S. petersoni ex Ninox punctulata. This paper completes a taxonomic review of the cursitans species group and includes an updated host-parasite list. The host specificity of the group is reviewed, including features of the natural history of lice and their hosts that may have influenced the evolution of host-parasite associations. Although most members of the cursitans group are host specific, several cases of secondary transfer among ecologically related hosts are apparent. The significance of such transfers is discussed in light of attempts to employ data on host-parasite associations for host systematics.