Seasonal changes in louse populations on white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).

Abstract

The hides of 47 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) shot at Long Point, Ontario, between September 1972 and August 1973 were examined for lice. Adult Tricholipeurus lipeuroides were most abundant from January to April and T. parallelus from May to August. The distributions of biting lice changed over the study period, possibly influenced by environmental factors such as solar radiation, temperature, rainfall, and changes in pelage. Solenopotes ferrisi was found throughout the study period. There was no significant change in abundance of the various louse stages throughout the study, although all stages were slightly more numerous during winter. Adults primarily infested the head and neck, while immature stages infested upper body regions. Changes in distribution of lice may be the result of environmental and host pelage changes.