Ectoparasite Species Research Articles

Nota sobre morcegos (Mammalia, Chiroptera) e moscas ectoparasitas (Insecta, Diptera) do Parque Nacional da Serra do Pardo, estado do Pará, Brasil

Os morcegos apresentam grande diversidade de hábitos alimentares, o que faz com que possam ser utilizados como indicadores de qualidade ambiental, além de prestarem serviços ecossistêmicos, como dispersão de sementes, estruturação de comunidade de plantas e controle de insetos. Além disso, o estudo da interação de morcegos com ectoparasitas pode possibilitar melhor compreensão dos processos ecológicos e evolutivos associados. Dessa forma, o objetivo desse estudo é contribuir para o conhecimento de algumas espécies de morcegos e suas moscas ectoparasitas no Parque Nacional da Serra do Pardo, interflúvio Xingu-Tapajós, estado do Pará, Brasil. A captura dos morcegos foi realizada em quatro pontos amostrais, através de redes de neblina e busca ativa. Em cada indivíduo capturado foi realizada inspeção da pelagem e das asas para retirada das moscas ectoparasitas. Foram amostrados 13 indivíduos de morcegos, representados por duas famílias (Phyllostomidae e Molossidae), seis gêneros e seis táxons, sendo C. perspicillata a mais amostrada. Quanto à guilda trófica, observamos espécies insetívoras e frugívoras, sendo a última a mais abundante. Para moscas ectoparasitas, observamos apenas a família Streblidae. Todos os ectoparasitas estavam relacionados aos indivíduos de C. perspicillata.

Prevalence of ectoparasites on a stray cat population from “Town of Knowledge” Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

Stray cats survive on their own and scavenge the surrounding areas for food to survive. Their exploitation to investigate the prevalence of ectoparasites can be of great medical importance for humans as they harbour a variety of zoonotic pathogens. Therefore, a survey of ectoparasites on stray cats was carried out from November 2017 to March 2018 around the Town of Knowledge to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites in stray cats and their potential to threaten the public health by infesting stray cats around Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. A total of 150 individuals of stray cats have been examined for ectoparasites. Of these hosts, 113 individuals (75.3%) of the stray cats were infested by at least one species of ectoparasites. There were nine species of ectoparasites belonging to four groups (louse, flea, mite, and tick). Louse (Felicola subrostratus, 44.7%) is the most frequent species of ectoparasite infesting the hosts in this area, followed by flea species, namely, Ctenocephalides felis (18.7%) and Ctenocephalides felis orientis (16.0%). Lynxacarus radovskyi (24.0%), Otodectes cynotis (0.7%), mite sp. 1 (0.7%), and mite sp. 2 (0.7%) constitute the four most common species of mites. Haemaphysalis sp. 1 (0.7%) and Haemaphysalis sp. 2 (0.7%) are the ticks discovered in this area. The resultof this study highlights the importance of managing stray cats and controlling their population to minimize the number of individuals that can serve as ectoparasites hosts.

Ectoparasite Infestation among Stray Cats around Surabaya Traditional Market, Indonesia

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of ectoparasite infestation among stray cats around Surabaya traditional markets. A total of 305 stray cats were collected around 17 traditional markets in Surabaya City and were examined for the presence of fleas with a fine-toothed flea comb. Surveys were conducted during May-June 2019. 228 of 305 stray cats (74.75%) were infested with one species of ectoparasite. The average number of C. felis in every cat was 2.54, while the number of F. subrostratus in every cat was 0.33. Additional data about the gender, pregnancy/maternity, and bodyweight of every cat were recorded. The result of chi-square test shows that there is a significant difference between gender, pregnancy status, and bodyweight by the occurrence of ectoparasites (p=0.008; p=0.00; p=0.00). A total of 878 ectoparasites consisting of flea and lices, namely Ctenocephalides felis (88.27%) as the dominant ectoparasite, followed by Felicola subrostratus (11.73%). The highest infection rate (prevalence) of ectoparasite was found in Pucang Market (16.81%), while the lowest prevalence was found in Mulyorejo Market (0.8%). Coinfection was observed in only a few cats (1.63%). Multiple Regression showed that pregnancy is the most influential factor in the occurrence of fleas (p=0.000). These results should be taken into account among health workers to prevent a possible outbreak of zoonotic diseases caused by fleas.

The efficacy of herbal shampoo from Cymbopogon citratus and ultrasonic sound to control head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis)

Background: Pediculosis capitis is a scalp disease due to the infestation of obligate ectoparasites (mites/lice) species of Pediculus humanus var. Capitis. Pediculosis capitis infects 6 to 12 million people each year in the US. Furthermore, head lice develop resistance to the active ingredients of the chemical drug and become insensitive to treatment. Methods & materials: A filter paper contact method was applied with three concentrations (0.01, 0.1 and 1 mL/cm2) of each Cymbopogon citratus shampoo as well as permethrin pediculicide (positive control) and drinking water (negative control) against eggs, nymphs and adults of Pediculus humanus capitis. Mortality rates of the eggs were recorded after 7 days of incubation while those of nymphs and adults were recorded after 5 minutes of contact. And, ultrasonic sound, those of egg, nymphs and adults were recorded after 5 minutes of contact. Results: Cymbopogon citratus shampoo at the high concentration were highly effective against nymphs and adults, but not effective against the eggs at 5 min showed mortality rates against nymphs at 100% and against adults at 100% with LC50 values of 1 mL/cm2. Ultrasonic sound exhibited the highest efficacy against the egg, nymphs and adults with 100% mortality rate at 5 min. Permethrin pediculicide was not effectively killing the eggs but showed 69.1%–83.2% and 43.4%–61.8% mortality rates against nymphs and adults. Conclusion: These results indicate that Cymbopogon citratus shampoo can be used as an effective nymphicide and adulticide against Pediculus humanus capitis. While ultrasonic sound can be used as effective for all stages of the head lice.

Reproduction of ectoparasitic mites in a coevolved system: Varroa spp.-Eastern honey bees, Apis cerana.

Parasite host shifts can impose a high selective pressure on novel hosts. Even though the coevolved systems can reveal fundamental aspects of host–parasite interactions, research often focuses on the new host–parasite relationships. This holds true for two ectoparasitic mite species, Varroa destructor and Varroa jacobsonii, which have shifted hosts from Eastern honey bees, Apis cerana, to Western honey bees, Apis mellifera, generating colony losses of these pollinators globally. Here, we study infestation rates and reproduction of V. destructor and V. jacobsonii haplotypes in 185 A. cerana colonies of six populations in China and Thailand to investigate how coevolution shaped these features. Reproductive success was mostly similar and low, indicating constraints imposed by hosts and/or mite physiology. Infestation rates varied between mite haplotypes, suggesting distinct local co‐evolutionary scenarios. The differences in infestation rates and reproductive output between haplotypes did not correlate with the virulence of the respective host‐shifted lineages suggesting distinct selection scenarios in novel and original host. The occasional worker brood infestation was significantly lower than that of drone brood, except for the V. destructor haplotype (Korea) from which the invasive lineage derived. Whether mites infesting and reproducing in atypical intraspecific hosts (i.e., workers and queens) actually predisposes for and may govern the impact of host shifts on novel hosts should be determined by identifying the underlying mechanisms. In general, the apparent gaps in our knowledge of this coevolved system need to be further addressed to foster the adequate protection of wild and managed honey bees from these mites globally.

Identification of ectoparasites of ornamental birds in the north of Sistan and Baluchestan (southeast Iran)

Several species of ectoparasites infect birds. These parasites that are considered arthropods include: mites, ticks, lice, bugs, fleas, mosquitoes, and flies. This study aimed to identify the ectoparasites species on ornamental birds and determine their prevalence in Zabol and Zahedan in the northern part of Sistan and Baluchestan. A total of 318 birds were examined and inspected for ectoparasites. Parasites were collected by forceps and stored in 70% ethanol. In parallel to the identification of their species, the samples were cleared in 10% KOH following which light microscopy was used to identify the parasites according to their morphological characteristics and the descriptive keys proposed for each species. The overall prevalence of ectoparasites in birds was 21.7%. The ectoparasites were identified as Menopon gallinae, Menacanthus stramineus, Columbicola columbae, Goniodes pavonis, Myrsidea fasciata, an unknown species from philopetrus genus Argas reflexus, Pseudolinchya, and Culicoides. So far few studies have been performed on parasites in birds in Sistan and Baluchestan. Identification of parasites (such as lice in birds) in any region of the country helps us to improve our knowledge about parasitic fauna in this area.

Identification of ectoparasites of ornamental birds in the north of Sistan and Baluchestan (southeast Iran)

Several species of ectoparasites infect birds. These parasites that are considered arthropods include: mites, ticks, lice, bugs, fleas, mosquitoes, and flies. This study aimed to identify the ectoparasites species on ornamental birds and determine their prevalence in Zabol and Zahedan in the northern part of Sistan and Baluchestan. A total of 318 birds were examined and inspected for ectoparasites. Parasites were collected by forceps and stored in 70% ethanol. In parallel to the identification of their species, the samples were cleared in 10% KOH following which light microscopy was used to identify the parasites according to their morphological characteristics and the descriptive keys proposed for each species. The overall prevalence of ectoparasites in birds was 21.7%. The ectoparasites were identified as Menopon gallinae, Menacanthus stramineus, Columbicola columbae, Goniodes pavonis, Myrsidea fasciata, an unknown species from philopetrus genus Argas reflexus, Pseudolinchya, and Culicoides. So far few studies have been performed on parasites in birds in Sistan and Baluchestan. Identification of parasites (such as lice in birds) in any region of the country helps us to improve our knowledge about parasitic fauna in this area.

Detection of DNA of Rickettsia and Orientia tsutsugamushi in rodents and ectoparasites in Ha Giang province

Rickettsial fever is one of a zoonotic disease which is caused by bacteria genus Rickettsia. The ectoparasites such as ticks, mites, fleas, lice... were demonstrated as the main transmited vectors through host reservoirs are rodents and small animals including mice, squirrels, mink... In this study, the rodents and ectoparasites species were identified. The molecular detection of Rickettsia was also performed. In 2018, 83 rats were trapped in 2 villages Thanh Duc and Phu Linh, Vi Xuyen district, Ha Giang province, in which 48.2% mice were found as house mice Rattus flavipectus, 21.7% was forest mice R. rattus, 12% was R. fulvescens, 8.4% was R. nitidus, the remaining rates were R. bowersi, Mus. pahari, Leopoldamys sabanus, Mus musculus and R. niviventer, accounting for 1.2% - 3.6%. The ectoparasites survey found 5 chigger mite species including Leptotrombidium (Leptotrombidium) deliense, Ascoschoengastia (Laurentella) indica, Garhliepia (Walchia) rustica, Lorilutum oreophilum and Shunsenia sp as well as 3 gamasid mite species such as Laelaps (Echidninus) sedlaceki, Laelaps (Laelaps) nuttali and Lenstivalius klossi bispiniformis. The result indicated that 19.3% and 10.8% mice were positive with Ricketsia spotted fever group (SFG) and Rickettsia typhi, respectively by real-time PCR. The nested PCR result showed that 19.4% R. flavipectus mice and 10% L. (L.) deliense chigger mites were positive with Orientia tsutsugamushi.

Comparative phylogeography between parasitic sucking lice and their host the Namaqua rock mouse, Micaelamys namaquensis (Rodentia: Muridae)

Abstract To gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms affecting parasite gene dispersal and subsequent evolution, we investigated mitochondrial and nuclear DNA phylogeographic structures of two ectoparasitic louse species, Polyplax praomydis and Hoplopleura patersoni, and compared this to their host Micaelamys namaquensis. Analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data derived from 13 geographic populations resulted in the detection of distinct phylogenetic clades within the parasite and host species. Strong support for host–parasite co-divergence was found over larger geographic scales but failed to show complete co-divergence over fine geographic scales. This finding led to the partial rejection of the hypothesis that the evolution of species-specific permanent parasites will mirror the phylogeographic pattern of their host. JANE co-phylogenetic reconstructions support the notion that host switching best explains the discrepancies in geographic patterns. We conclude that host specificity and permanency on the host only plays a partial role in maintaining co-divergences between parasites and their hosts.

Interannual and spatial variation in the parasite communities of Pacific sierra Scomberomorus sierra (Jordan et Starks) on Mexico's Pacific coast

The parasite communities of predatory fish can be species rich and diverse, making them effective models for studying the factors influencing temporal and spatial variation in these communities. Over a ten-year period an initial study was done on the metazoan parasite communities of Scomberomorus sierra (Jordan et Starks) from four locations on the south-central Pacific coast of Mexico. Twenty-four metazoan parasite taxa were identified from 674 S. sierra specimens: three species of Monogenea, eight Digenea, one Cestoda, one Acanthocephala, four Nematoda, five Copepoda, and two Isopoda. The parasite communities were characterised by high ectoparasite species richness, with monogeneans and some didymozoid species being numerically dominant. Community structure and species composition varied between locations, seasons and sampling years. Similarity between the component parasite communities was generally low, despite the occurrence of a distinctive set of host-specialist parasites. Interannual or local variations in some biotic and abiotic environmental factors are possible causes of the observed variations in the structure and species composition of the parasite community of S. sierra. Ecological factors were therefore considered to have more influence than phylogenetic aspects (host phylogeny) on parasite community structure.

Susurluk Çayı (Balıkesir)’ndaki Acı Balık, Rhodeus amarus (Pallas, 1782) (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)’un Helmint Parazitleri Üzerine Bir Araştırma: Acı Balık’ta Paradiplozoon homoion’ un Türkiye’ de İlk Kaydı ve Helmint Parazitlerin Her Biri İçin Yeni Lokalite Kaydı

Bu çalışmada; Rhodeus amarus’ un Ekim 2018 – Aralık 2018 tarihleri arasındaki helmint faunasının belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda; 51 adet R. amarus bireyinin 18’ nin bir ya da daha fazla parazit türü ile enfekte olduğu bulunmuştur. Konak balıkta toplam 3 adet ektoparazitik helmint türü tanımlanmış olup, üç farklı türe ait 34 parazit bireyine rastlanılmıştır. Bu parazitlerden Monogenea’ dan Dactylogyrus bicornis Malewitzkaja, 1941 (%17,6; 2 parazit/balık); Paradiplozoon homoion ( Bychowsky and Nagibina, 1959) (%11,7; 1,3 parazit/balık) konak balığın solungaçlarında, Digenea’ dan Clinostomum complanatum metaserkeri (Rhudolphi, 819) (%13,7; 1,1 parazit/balık) konak balığın solungaç boşluğunda kaydedilebilmiştir. Bu çalışmada, D. bicornis 9 balıkta toplam 18 adet bulunmuş olup, en yaygın parazit türü olarak. kaydedilmiştir. Parazit türlerine ait enfeksiyon yüzdeleri ile minimum, maksimum ve ortalama enfeksiyon yoğunlukları değerlendirilmiştir. Diğer taraftan, bu çalışma Susurluk Havzası balık faunasında yer alan R. amarus’ un helmint parazitleri üzerine yapılan ilk çalışmadır. Saptanan türlerden, P. homoion ise Türkiye’deki acı balıklarda ilk kez bu çalışma ile bildirilmiştir. Ayrıca bu çalışmada konak balıkta kaydedilen türlerden her biri Susurluk Çayı için yeni kayıttır ve Anadolu’ daki dağılımlarına yeni bir lokalite olarak eklenmiştir.

Arthropod ectoparasites of cattle and goats from three upazilas of Comilla district, Bangladesh

The prevalence of ectoparasitic arthropods of cattle and goats in Daudkandi, Homna and Titas upazilas of Comilla district were investigated. During this study (December 2013 to November 2014) 299 cattle and 196 goats were examined; and among them 180 and 117 were found to be infested respectively. Seventeen species of ectoparasites (both larvae and adult) were identified and they are Haematopinus quadripertusus, Haematopinus eurysternus, Linognathus vituli, Damalinia bovis, Stomoxys calcitrans, Musca domistica, Tabanus striatus, Diachlorus sp., Armigeres subalbatus, Ctenocephalides felis, Boophilus microplus, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, Haemaphysalis kinneari, Hyalomma anatolicum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor sp. and Ixodes sp. The highest prevalence of ectoparasitic infestation (69.94%) were found in Titas and the lowest (53.34%) in Homna upazila. The intensity of ectoparasitic infestation was highest in Titas (12.20) and lowest in Homna (5.21) upazila. Cattle in Titas upazila showed highest prevalence (67.53%) and intensity (8.04) and Homna upazila showed lowest prevalence (48.63%) and intensity (5.55). Goats in Titas upazila showed highest prevalence (76.09%) and intensity (8.38), and Daudkandi upazila showed lowest prevalence (49.37%) and goats in Homna showed lowest intensity (4.80). This study quantifies the level of ectoparasitic infestation in cattle and goats which demands immediate control program and needs more intensive epidemiological study for detail identification of the constraints of animal health and production.
 Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 8(2): 35-45, 2019 (December)

Patterns of ectoparasite infection in wild-caught and laboratory-bred cichlid fish, and their hybrids, implicate extrinsic rather than intrinsic causes of species differences in infection

Parasite-mediated selection may initiate or enhance differentiation between host populations that are exposed to different parasite infections. Variation in infection among populations may result from differences in host ecology (thereby exposure to certain parasites) and/or intrinsic immunological traits. Species of cichlid fish, even when recently diverged, often differ in parasite infection, but the contributions of intrinsic and extrinsic causes are unknown. Here, we compare infection patterns between two closely related host species from Lake Victoria (genus Pundamilia), using wild-caught and first-generation laboratory-reared fish, as well as laboratory-reared hybrids. Three of the commonest ectoparasite species observed in the wild were also present in the laboratory populations. However, the infection differences between the host species as observed in the wild were not maintained in laboratory conditions. In addition, hybrids did not differ in infection from either parental species. These findings suggest that the observed species differences in infection in the wild might be mainly driven by ecology-related effects (i.e. differential exposure), rather than by intrinsic species differences in immunological traits. Thus, while there is scope for parasite-mediated selection in Pundamilia in the wild, it has apparently not yet generated divergent evolutionary responses and may not enhance assortative mating among closely related species.

Prevalence and spatial distribution of the ectoparasites on the gills of Mystus vittatus from River Penna flowing through YSR District, Andhra Pradesh, India

A parasitic survey was performed during July 2017 to February 2018 to emphasize the prevalence and spatial distribution of ectoparasites in Mystus vittatus from three sampling sites of River Penna flowing through YSR District, Andhra Pradesh by routine parasitological procedures. A total of 238 ectoparasites were obtained from the gills of 70 examined fishes with a prevalence of 77.1%, mean intensity of 4.4 and mean abundance of 3.4 respectively. Three species of ectoparasites i.e., two monogeneans-Cornudiscoides vittati (n = 119); Bifurcohaptor indicus (n = 90) and one copepod, Lamproglena hospetensis (n = 29) were obtained from the gills of the host. All the 3 species of gill ectoparasites showed an aggregated distribution pattern (2.92, 2.52 and 2.83). Only, B. indicus showed a significant positive relationship between the condition factor and parasitic abundance (rs = 0.361, p = 0.0021) followed by C. vittati (rs = 0.206, p = 0.086) whereas the parasitic abundance of L. hospetensis (rs = - 0.213, p = 0.076) showed a weak negative correlation with the relative condition factor of the host. Parasitization was analyzed location wise and fishes collected from Site-I (Mylavaram) were highly infected with both the monogeneans while parasitization with copepods was nil. However, the parasitization of copepods was relatively higher in Site-II (Chennur). There was no influence of host size and host sex on the parasitization and also no specific preference for the sides of the fish host. The monogeneans segregated the niche to prevent resource competition i.e., C. vittati and L. hospetensis were prevalent in gill arches II and I respectively whereas B. indicus occupied gill arch III. Both the monogeneans showed very a high interspecific association (rj = 0.96) with each other but showed a very negligible association with L. hospetensis. This type of study will help the aquaculturists to implement many advanced management strategies in aquaculture and improve the yield of Mystus vittatus in the Southern states of India.

Ecto- parasitic infection in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry during male reversal in Veracruz, México

The monogenean gyrodactylids and some ciliated protozoa species may cause ectoparasitic epidemics in tilapia hatcheries. An experimental framework was developed with fish reared during male reversal treatment. The infection dynamics were examined: mean intensity, prevalence, condition factor (K), fish growth and mortality. A total number of 3400 infected tilapia fish were transferred from high density (45 fish L-1) to a low-density tank (2 fish L-1). In the fish (0.012 ± 0.003 g) there were identified four ectoparasitic species; a worm, Gyrodactylus cichlidarum and 3 ciliated protozoa (Trichodina sp. Chilodonella sp. and Ambiphrya sp.). The infection dynamic examined during 31 days showed that the parasitic load and parasite richness for the different ecto-parasites demonstrated positive interspecific correlations, in spite of that, non-synergistic or antagonistic interactions were manifested. The condition factor K was strongly affected (p < 0.05) by G. cichlidarum during the course of infections. The growth and survival recovered after 31 days at low density.

Does latitudinal migration represent an advantage in the decrease of ectoparasitic loads in Leptonycteris yerbabuenae (Chiroptera)?

Abstract Latitudinal migration increases fitness of migrants by allowing them to exploit favorable conditions in nonadjacent geographic regions. Other consequences also may follow, such as interactions with parasites. Migrants may have lower parasite prevalence and abundance than resident individuals because of their ability to abandon infested areas or due to mortality of highly infested hosts. To further understand whether variation in ectoparasite loads is influenced by migration, we investigated whether prevalence and abundance of two species of obligate ectoparasites, the wing mite Periglischrus paracaligus (Mesostigmata: Spinturnicidae) and the bat fly Nycterophilia coxata (Diptera: Streblidae, Nycterophiliinae), of the lesser long-nosed bat, Leptonycteris yerbabuenae, varied between migratory and resident populations throughout their range in Mexico. We examined the presence or absence of migratory behavior, as well as sex and reproductive status of the host because ectoparasitism differentially affects the sexes. Our results showed that the prevalence of both ectoparasites did not vary between migrant and resident females or males, but abundance of the wing mite P. paracaligus was lower in migrant females compared with resident females, with an important influence from the reproductive status of the host. A partial negative relationship between ectoparasite loads and latitudinal migration therefore was demonstrated.

Ectoparasites of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) with a particular focus on ticks in subcutaneous tissues.

In the present study, we identified the ectoparasite communities of red foxes in three regions of Poland that encompassed two endemic regions for the occurrence of Dermacentor reticulatus, as well as a region that is free of this tick species ('gap' area). Our study sites were selected to enable the role of foxes as hosts for juvenile (nest dwelling) and adult (exophilic) D. reticulatus ticks to be determined, and to assess their contribution to the spread of this important vector of Babesia canis. We compared also ectoparasite communities between adult foxes with those of fox cubs. Finally, we carried out a systematic search for subcutaneous ticks determining their prevalence and abundance. In 2016-2018, 366 adult foxes and 25 live-trapped cubs were examined for ectoparasites. Ectoparasites were identified based on morphological features, PCR amplification and sequencing. The total prevalence of ectoparasites was higher in cubs (68%) than in adults (62.8%). In adults, 15 parasite species were recorded, including four tick species, seven flea species, scabies, and one Anopluran species each in the genera Felicola and Lipoptena. In cubs, six ectoparasite species were found, including Ixodes kaiseri, a species not found in adults. Although Ixodes ricinus and D. reticulatus were the dominant tick species on adult foxes, no D. reticulatus ticks were found on cubs. Subcutaneous ticks were common (38%) and abundant in all areas. Molecular analysis of subcutaneous nodules allowed the identification of 17 I. ricinus and five D. reticulatus. In conclusion, red foxes play a minor role as hosts of D. reticulatus.

Ectoparasites of Coragyps atratus (Bechstein, 1793) (Accipitriformes: Cathartidae) on Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia

To identify and to list ectoparasite species of black vulture in two locations in Bucaramanga, Colombia. Scope. To contribute to the knowledge of ectoparasites species found in black vultures in the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga, at the northeastern Andes. Methodology. The birds were captured in Guarin Marketplace and "El Carrasco" Solid Waste Disposal Center, both in the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga, Colombia. To obtain the ectoparasites, each black vulture were introduced into a fumigation chamber previously modified to preserve the life of the bird during the procedure. Moreover, some feathers were taken and preserved in ethanol 70%. Main results. In total, 1,696 ectoparasites were collected from 18 black vultures (Coragyps atratus) in two localities of Bucaramanga (Colombia). The parasites were identified as Cathartacarus coragyps (Gabuciniidae), Dermanysus gallinae (Dermanyssidae), Cuculiphilus alternatus (Menoponidae), Falcolipeurus marginalis (Philopteridae), Laemobothrion glutinans (Laemobothriidae) and Olfesia bisulcata (Hippoboscidae). The most abundant species were Cuculiphilus alternatus with 1,217 specimens and Cathartacarus coragyps with 295. Conclusions. Most of these records are new to the region and contribute to improving the knowledge concerning the ectoparasites distribution in the study area. Mann-Whitney tests and the calculated parasitological indexes show differences between the two sampling places.

What determines parasite species richness across host species?

Dáttilo, W., Barrozo-Chávez, N., Lira-Noriega, A., Guevara, R., Villalobos, F., Santiago-Alarcon, D., Neves, F. S., Izzo, T., & Ribeiro, S. P. (2020). Species-level drivers of mammalian ectoparasite faunas. Journal of Animal Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.13216. The question of what drives the number of parasite species able to infect a given host species is still a largely open question, despite decades of research. Dáttilo and colleagues examine the potential drivers of ectoparasite species across a large set of host species to explore the taxonomic and trait drivers of host-parasite interactions. Here, we contextualize their findings, explore what is known about parasite species richness, and identify some potential next steps towards answers.

Prevalence and diversity of ectoparasites in scavenging chickens (Gallus domesticus) and their association to body weight

Abstract. Riwidiharso E, Darsono, Setyowati EA, Pratiknyo H, Sudiana E, Santoso S, Yani E, Widhiono I. 2020. Prevalence and diversity of ectoparasites in scavenging chickens (Gallus domesticus) and their association to body weight. Biodiversitas 21: 3163-3169. Domestic chickens (Gallus domesticus) which are traditionally fed by scavenging on farms predispose them to ectoparasites infestation. In this study, a preliminary survey was conducted on the common ectoparasites on G. domesticus in the rural areas of Banyumas. The purposes of this study were to determine the diversity of ectoparasites, their prevalence, and their relationship to the chickens body weight. This research was conducted by the survey method from December 2019 to April 2020 in five villages around the city of Purwokerto, Banyumas District, Central Java, Indonesia viz., Kedungwuluh, Kedungwringin, Kutasari, Karangsalam, and Karanggintung. Data analysis was conducted by Shannon Wiener and Evenness indexes. Analysis of variance was used to calculate the difference in prevalence among sample locations. Regression correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between prevalence and chicken body weight. The results showed that there were six ectoparasite species i.e., Menopon gallinae, Menacanthus cornutus, Lipeurus caponis, Dermanysus gallinae, Megninia ginglymura, and Haemaphysallis sp. parasitizing G. domesticus. The number of ectoparasite individuals among locations was significantly different (F 5.59 &lt; 32.45; p &lt;0.05). The most number of ectoparasite was found in Karangsalam (272 individuals). The most prevalent ectoparasite was M. cornutus (45%), followed by L. caponis (40%), and the lowest was M. synglineura (25%). Ectoparasite prevalence was associated with chicken weight loss (r = 0.98). The prevalence of ectoparasite of domestic chickens farm in the Banyumas Regency is classified as low but has the potential to influence body weight.