Passerine Hosts Research Articles

Two new species of the feather mite genus Trouessartia (Acariformes: Trouessartiidae) from passerines (Passeriformes) from Asian Russia

Two new species of the feather mite genus Trouessartia (Astigmata: Trouessartiiidae) are described from passerine hosts from Northern Asia: Trouessartia aureolae sp. n. from the Yellow-breasted Bunting, Emberiza aureola Pallas (Emberizidae) and T. cyanoptilae sp. n. from the Blue-and-white Flycatcher, Cyanoptila cyanomelana (Temminck) (Muscicapidae). Trouessartia aureolae is very close to T. emberizae Mironov, 2021. The new species most clearly differs from T. emberizae in the following features: in males, the membranous apophyses of adanal apodemes are triangular, and the anterior ends of epimerites IVa are roughly rounded; in females, setae h1 extend to the free margin of the interlobar membrane, and the primary spermaduct guide extends to the level of setae h2. Trouessartia cyanoptilae is most similar to T. microfolia Gaud, 1952 and T. saularis Constantinescu, 2018. The new species differs from T. microfolia and T. saularis in the following features: in both sexes, setae d1 are absent; in males, the terminal lamellae are triangular with oblique posterior margin, thus, the whole posterior end of the opisthosoma resembles a fsh tail; in females, the collar of the spermathecal head is short and smooth.

The influence of host tissue on M. gallisepticum vlhA gene expression

Mycoplasma gallisepticum, a significant poultry pathogen, has evolved rapidly in its new passerine host since its first reported isolation from house finches in the US in 1994. In poultry, M. gallisepticum infects the upper respiratory tract, causing tracheal mucosal thickening and inflammation, in addition to inflammation of the reproductive tract. However, in house finches M. gallisepticum primarily causes inflammation of the conjunctiva. Given that different tissues are primarily affected by the same pathogen in different hosts, we have compared the early changes in gene expression of the phase-variable lipoproteins (vlhA) gene family of M. gallisepticum collected directly from target tissues in both hosts. Previous data have demonstrated that vlhA genes may be related to virulence, exhibiting changes in expression in a non-stochastic, temporal progression and we hypothesize that this may be influenced by differences in the target host tissue. If this is true, we would expect M. gallisepticum to display a different vlhA gene expression pattern in the chicken trachea compared to its expression pattern in house finch conjunctiva.Here we report significant differences in vlhA gene expression patterns between M. gallisepticum collected from chicken tracheas compared to those collected from house finch conjunctiva. While many of the predominant vlhA genes expressed in the input population showed an increase in expression in the chicken trachea at day one postinfection, those same vlhA genes decreased in expression in the house finch. These data suggest that discrete suites of vlhA genes may be involved in M. gallisepticum pathogenesis and tropism for unique tissues in two disparate avian hosts.

Patterns of host-parasite associations in tropical lice and their passerine hosts in Cameroon.

Coevolutionary processes that drive the patterns of host–parasite associations can be deduced through congruence analysis of their phylogenies. Feather lice and their avian hosts have previously been used as typical model systems for congruence analysis; however, such analyses are strongly biased toward nonpasserine hosts in the temperate zone. Further, in the Afrotropical region especially, cospeciation studies of lice and birds are entirely missing. This work supplements knowledge of host–parasite associations in lice using cospeciation analysis of feather lice (genus Myrsidea and the Brueelia complex) and their avian hosts in the tropical rainforests of Cameroon. Our analysis revealed a limited number of cospeciation events in both parasite groups. The parasite–host associations in both louse groups were predominantly shaped by host switching. Despite a general dissimilarity in phylogeny for the parasites and hosts, we found significant congruence in host–parasite distance matrices, mainly driven by associations between Brueelia lice and passerine species of the Waxbill (Estrildidae) family, and Myrsidea lice and their Bulbul (Pycnonotidae) host species. As such, our study supports the importance of complex biotic interactions in tropical environments.

New Isospora and Host Species in Brazilian Passerines

ABSTRACT Normal passerines (n=216) were evaluated for oocysts of Isospora in feces at the Triage Center for Wild Animals (CETAS, IBAMA, Belo Horizonte; August 21 to September 21, 2012). The positive samples with oocysts represented 13.0% of Cardinalidae (n=23), 11.2% of Emberizidae (n=107), 50% of Icteridae (n=10) and 60.3% of Thraupidae (n=68). The probability of fecal oocysts attributable to the host in Thraupidae is higher than in Cardinalidae, Emberizidae, Fringillidae and Turdidae, but similar to Icteridae. No oocysts were found in Fringillidae and Turdidae. Within Thraupidae, Isospora was for the first time described in Paroaria dominicana and Schistochlamys ruficapillus and within Icteridae, in Gnorimopsar chopi. Saltator similis presented a higher risk, 66.9% greater than Lanio pileatus and Sporophila caerulescens and with a 27.9% greater probability than Sporophila nigricolis. The new coccidian species described were Isospora dominicana [ellipsoid oocysts, 25 (30-20) x 25 (28-20) µm] in Paroaria dominicana; Isospora beagai [ovoid oocysts, 28 (32-17) x 25 (29-16) µm] and Isospora ferri [ellipsoid oocysts, 20 (22-16) x 18 (22-15) µm] in Saltator similis; Isospora ruficapillus [spheric to subspherical oocysts, 25 (26-23) x 24 (25-21) µm] in Schistochlamys ruficapillus; and Isospora chopi [spherical to sub-spherical oocysts, 24.5 x 22 (30-20 x 25-20) µm] and Isospora gnorimopsar [sub-spherical to ovoid oocysts, 27 x 23 (32-22 x 28-20) µm] in Gnorimopsar chopi. The morphometry and features were compared with previously described Isospora in passerines. New coccidian species and new passerine hosts are described for Isospora and recommends for constant monitoring during rehabilitation, especially for the hosts of Thraupidae and Icteridae.

<p class="Body"><strong>Feather mites of the family Ptyssalgidae (Acari: Analgoidea) associated with hummingbirds and suboscine passerines—A morphological review supplemented by CO1 barcode sequences</strong></p>

To date, the feather mite family Ptyssalgidae (Acariformes: Analgoidea) has been known from a single species associated with hummingbirds (Apodiformes: Trochilidae). Here, based on our collecting in Mexico, we describe (i) a new genus and species, Tyrannoptyssalges striatus gen. n., sp. n., from a passerine host Tolmomyias sulphurescens (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae) and (ii) four new species of the genus Ptyssalges Atyeo and Gaud, 1979 from hummingbirds (Apodiformes: Trochilidae): Ptyssalges amaziliae sp. n. from Amazilia rutila (Delattre) (type host), A. candida (Bourcier & Mulsant) and A. yucatanensis (Cabot), P. anthracothoracis sp. n. from Anthracothorax prevostii (Lesson, R.), P. atyeoi sp. n. from Phaethornis longirostris (Delattre), and P. campylopteri sp. n. from Campylopterus curvipennis excellens (Wetmore). In addition, we redescribe Ptyssalges major (Trouessart, 1887), the type species of the genus, based on newly collected material from the type host, Eutoxeres aquila, from Panama. Standard morphological descriptions of all mite species are supplemented by CO1 barcoding sequence data. In the genus Ptyssalges, CO1 K2P interspecific genetic distances were 11.39–11.89%, while distances between the single species of Tyrannoptyssalges and species of the genus Ptyssalges were 16.34–17.87%. New, amended diagnoses for the family Ptyssalgidae and the genus Ptyssalges and a key to all known ptyssalgid species are provided. Preliminary hypotheses on the origin and ancestral host associations of ptyssalgids are briefly discussed.

Adaptive Plasticity in Insect Parasites – Philopterus Lice and their Accentor Passerine Hosts

One hundred and five alpine accentors Prunella collaris (Scopoli, 1786) and ninety four dunnocks Prunella modularis (Linnaeus, 1758) were captured in the West Carpathian Mountains of Slovakia in order to compare the morphology of their Ischnoceran parasites Philopterus emiliae Balat 1985 and Philopterus modularis (Denny, 1842), respectively. In the case of both host species, the largest bodied lice occurred in winter, before the beginning of the host breeding season. Lice collected during the host breeding season were smaller in size than those collected in winter. Lice collected in the autumn, following postnuptial molt were even smaller in size. The largest lice were found on the bodies of host individuals with relatively long wings. The lice Ph. emiliae also differed in shape. In winter, the relative size of the head was large, while in the autumn, the head was proportionately smaller in size, compared to other body regions. Adult lice Ph. modularis also tended to have larger heads in April than in July. Measurements of lice over an eleven year period from the same site yielded differences in shape, but not in size. This study is one of the first assessments of seasonal variation in morphology of lice.

Characteristics determining host suitability for a generalist parasite

Host quality is critical for parasites. The common cuckoo Cuculus canorus is a generalist avian brood parasite, but individual females show strong preference for a specific host species. Here, we use three extensive datasets to investigate different host characteristics determining cuckoo host selection at the species level: (i) 1871 population-specific parasitism rates collected across Europe; (ii) 14 K cases of parasitism in the United Kingdom; and (iii) 16 K cases of parasitism in Germany, with data collected during the period 1735–2013. We find highly consistent effects of the different host species traits across our three datasets: the cuckoo prefers passerine host species of intermediate size that breed in grass- or shrubland and that feed their nestlings with insects, and avoids species that nest in cavities. Based on these results, we construct a novel host suitability index for all passerine species breeding in Europe, and show that host species known to have a corresponding cuckoo host race (gens) rank among the most suitable hosts in Europe. The distribution of our suitability index shows that host species cannot be classified as suitable or not but rather range within a continuum of suitability.

Bacterial Pathogen Emergence Requires More than Direct Contact with a Novel Passerine Host.

ABSTRACTWhile direct contact may sometimes be sufficient to allow a pathogen to jump into a new host species, in other cases, fortuitously adaptive mutations that arise in the original donor host are also necessary. Viruses have been the focus of most host shift studies, so less is known about the importance of ecological versus evolutionary processes to successful bacterial host shifts. Here we tested whether direct contact with the novel host was sufficient to enable the mid-1990s jump of the bacterium Mycoplasma gallisepticum from domestic poultry to house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus). We experimentally inoculated house finches with two genetically distinct M. gallisepticum strains obtained either from poultry (Rlow) or from house finches (HF1995) during an epizootic outbreak. All 15 house finches inoculated with HF1995 became infected, whereas Rlow successfully infected 12 of 15 (80%) inoculated house finches. Comparisons among infected birds showed that, relative to HF1995, Rlow achieved substantially lower bacterial loads in the host respiratory mucosa and was cleared faster. Furthermore, Rlow-infected finches were less likely to develop clinical symptoms than HF1995-infected birds and, when they did, displayed milder conjunctivitis. The lower infection success of Rlow relative to HF1995 was not, however, due to a heightened host antibody response to Rlow. Taken together, our results indicate that contact between infected poultry and house finches was not, by itself, sufficient to explain the jump of M. gallisepticum to house finches. Instead, mutations arising in the original poultry host would have been necessary for successful pathogen emergence in the novel finch host.

Descriptions of two new species of feather mites (Acarina: Psoroptidia: Pteronyssidae) from Ivory Coast.

Two new feather mite species of the family Pteronyssidae Oudemans, 1941 collected from birds captured in Ivory Coast are described: Pteronyssoides cyanomitrae n. sp. from Cyanomitra obscura (Jardine) (Passeriformes: Nectariniidae) and Conomerus pygmaeus n. sp. from Hylia prasina (Cassin) (Passeriformes: Macrosphenidae). Pteronyssoides cyanomitrae n. sp. belongs to the nectariniae species group and differs from the closest species, P. garioui Gaud & Mouchet, 1959, in having, in males, the adanal shield present and setae f longer than setae d on the tarsus III; females of this species have the hysteronotal shield with two small median incisions on the anterior margin barely extending beyond the level of setae e2. Conomerus pygmaeus n. sp. is the first species of this genus found on a passerine host, and seems to be more similar to C. sclerosternus Gaud, 1990. This new species has the following distinctive characters: in females, the opisthosoma has small lobe-like extensions and the central sclerite is fused posteriorly with the lateral opisthosomal sclerites; in males, coxal fields I-IV lack large sclerotised areas.

Morphological phylogenetic conflict in the parasitic mite family Harpirhynchidae (Acariformes: Cheyletoidea) correlates with host associations

The mite family Harpirhynchidae (Acariformes: Cheyletoidea) comprises 154 named species from 15 genera, all of which are permanent parasites of birds or snakes. We inferred the phylogeny of the family with maximum parsimony (MP) and Bayesian analyses for 67 ingroup and 3 outgroup species from the families Cheyletidae, Demodecidae, and Psorergatidae based on 177 morphological characters. The analyses revealed uncertainty of monophyly of the subfamily Harpirhynchinae. The subfamilies Harpypalpinae and Ophioptinae constitute a monophyletic group which is either sister to Demodecidae+Psorergatidae (supported by Bayesian analysis and by 59% of MP trees) or Harpirhynchinae (41% of MP trees). Harpirhynchids were shown to be highly host specific, with 69.5% being monoxenous species and 23% species are associated with several closely related hosts. Results of multinomial logistic regression showed that the microhabitat on the host and type of cysts produced by mites do not significantly influence at level of their host specificity. Ancestral host reconstruction shows that mites of the clade Harpypalpinae+Ophioptinae evolved to parasitism on Passeriformes independently from the Harpirhynchinae. Ancestor of ophioptines switched to an ancestor of colubroid snakes from passerines. In contrast, harpirhynchines colonized a common ancestor of neognathous birds. In the subfamily Harpirhynchinae, the ancestral microhabitat was probably the surface of the host's skin, with intracutaneous parasitism being a more derived lifestyle. According to reconstructed phylogenetic pattern, parasitism at the feather bases of passerine hosts arose independently in two genera (Neharpyrhynchus and Trichorhynchiella) from intracutaneous parasitism.

Molecular analyses on host-seeking black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) reveal a diverse assemblage of Leucocytozoon (Apicomplexa: Haemospororida) parasites in an alpine ecosystem.

BackgroundMolecular studies have suggested that the true diversity of Leucocytozoon (Apicomplexa: Haemospororida) species well exceeds the approximately 35 currently described taxa. Further, the degree of host-specificity may vary substantially among lineages. Parasite distribution can be influenced by the ability of the parasite to infect a host, vector preferences for certain avian hosts, or other factors such as microhabitat requirements that increase the probability that vertebrate hosts and vectors are in frequent contact with each other. Whereas most studies of haemosporidians have focused on passerine hosts, sampling vectors in the same habitats may allow the detection of other lineages affecting other hosts.MethodsWe sampled abundant, ornithophilic black flies (Simuliidae) across a variety of sites and habitats in the Colorado Rocky Mountains throughout the summer of 2007. Black flies were screened with PCR using Leucocytozoon-specific primers that amplify a portion of the cytochrome b gene, and the sequences were compared to the haplotypes in the MalAvi database. Infections of Leucocytozoon from birds sampled in the same area were also included.ResultsWe recovered 33 unique haplotypes from the black flies in this study area, which represented a large phylogenetic diversity of Leucocytozoon parasites. However, there were no clear patterns of avian host species or geography for the distribution of Leucocytozoon haplotypes in the phylogeny.ConclusionsSampling host-seeking vectors is a useful way to obtain a wide variety of avian haemosporidian haplotypes from a given area and may prove useful for understanding the global patterns of host, parasite, and vector associations of these ubiquitous and diverse parasites.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-015-0952-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Evolution of seasonal transmission patterns in avian blood-borne parasites

In temperate regions, many vector-borne parasites maximise their transmission prospects by adjusting reproduction to seasonal cycles of host susceptibility and vector availability. Nevertheless, in these regions there are areas where environmental conditions are favourable throughout the year, so that parasites could benefit from a year-round transmission strategy. We analysed how different transmission strategies (strict summer transmission, extended summer transmission – including spring and autumn, and year round transmission) have evolved among the different genetic lineages of Haemoproteus parabelopolskyi, an avian blood-borne parasite shared by three sibling species of passerine hosts. Our results indicate that the ancestral state of this clade of parasites had a strict summer transmission with the blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) as the host. Other transmission strategies and switches to the other host species (Sylvia abyssinica and Sylvia borin) evolved recently, several times, independently. This suggests that, although year-round transmission is ecologically successful at present, seasonal transmission may have become more stable over evolutionary time. Switches from strict summer to an extended or year-round transmission strategy could have ecological consequences, if they promote the spread of parasites into more distant regions, transported by the migrating bird hosts. Therefore, a deeper knowledge of how different parasite transmission strategies are structured among birds in temperate areas is essential for understanding how disease emergence risks may develop in the future.

NOTES ON TAXONOMY AND DISTRIBUTION OF MYRSIDEA SERINI (SÉGUY, 1944) (PHTHIRAPTERA: AMBLYCERA: MENOPONIDAE) ON SOUTHERN SOUTH AMERICAN PASSERINE BIRDS (AVES: PASSERIFORMES)

Myrsidea serini (Seguy, 1944) is recorded from three different passerine hosts from Argentina and Chile: Carduelis barbata (Molina, 1782) (Fringillidae), Chrysomus thilius petersi (Laubmann, 1934) and Agelaioides badius badius (Vieillot, 1819) (Icteridae). Somatic features and body measurements from available specimens belonging to these host-populations are compared with those recorded from Old World hosts, finding only some slight differences in certain body measurements (here interpreted as correlated to differences in host sizes), but none in chaetotaxy. This species was synoxenic with Myrsidea psittaci Carriker, 1955 on C. t. petersi in at least two localities in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Comparative studies of external chorionic architecture of the eggs, preferential sites of oviposition, prevalence has been carried out for both species, along with some remarks concerning the still problematic species, Myrsidea argentina (Kellogg, 1906), originally recorded off Carduelis magellanica (Vieillot, 1805).

Two new species of the feather mite genus Analloptes (Trouessart, 1885) Acariformes: Astigmata: Xolalgidae) from passerines (Aves: Passeriformes) in Brazil.

Two new feather mite species of the genus Analloptes Trouessart, 1885 (Acariformes: Xolalgidae) are described from suboscine passerines (Passeriformes) in Brazil: Analloptes giganteus sp. n. from Conopophaga lineata (Wied) (Conopophagidae) and A. cnemotricci sp. n. from Cnemotriccus fuscatus (Wied) (Tyrannidae). These are the first Analloptes species described from passerine hosts. Within the genus Analloptes, the two described species constitute a distinct species group characterized by the presence of setae ve and c1 in both sexes and by having the paragenital apodeme free from coxal structures in males.

Rejection of parasitic eggs in passerine hosts: Size matters more for a non-ejecter

The evolution of egg mimicry by parasites and the recognition of foreign eggs by hosts are important components of the coevolutionary arms race between brood parasites and their hosts, which is one of the most behaviorally complex of all host–parasite interactions. To examine cues used by the Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia), a non-ejecter that buries or deserts eggs laid by parasitic Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater), we added model eggs of different sizes and colors to nests. We also reviewed the literature to investigate the effects of model egg surface color (background and maculation) and size on the response of hosts that eject. We predicted that size would be more important for Yellow Warblers as they likely use tactile cues to bury or desert parasitized clutches and color cannot be assessed tactilely. In Yellow Warblers, rejection frequency increased as size and color diverged more from real warbler eggs. Egg size was not generally used as a criterion for egg rejection, however, across different species that eject parasitic eggs. Color was the only model egg parameter, out of color and size, that significantly affected rejection in these ejecter hosts. Tactile cues are therefore not used by ejecters but are more important in a host that uses methods of rejection that do not require egg discrimination, such as burial and desertion. Of metrics that took into account the ultraviolet range, achromatic Just Noticeable Differences (brightness) in Yellow Warblers better predicted rejection of model eggs based on color than chromatic Just Noticeable Differences (hue). The high costs of burial and desertion may have led to multiple (size and color) egg discrimination abilities in the Yellow Warbler.

Global warming will reshuffle the areas of high prevalence and richness of three genera of avian blood parasites

The importance of parasitism for host populations depends on local parasite richness and prevalence: usually host individuals face higher infection risk in areas where parasites are most diverse, and host dispersal to or from these areas may have fitness consequences. Knowing how parasites are and will be distributed in space and time (in a context of global change) is thus crucial from both an ecological and a biological conservation perspective. Nevertheless, most research articles focus just on elaborating models of parasite distribution instead of parasite diversity. We produced distribution models of the areas where haemosporidian parasites are currently highly diverse (both at community and at within-host levels) and prevalent among Iberian populations of a model passerine host: the blackcap Sylvia atricapilla; and how these areas are expected to vary according to three scenarios of climate change. On the basis of these models, we analysed whether variation among populations in parasite richness or prevalence are expected to remain the same or change in the future, thereby reshuffling the geographic mosaic of host-parasite interactions as we observe it today. Our models predict a rearrangement of areas of high prevalence and richness of parasites in the future, with Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon parasites (today the most diverse genera in blackcaps) losing areas of high diversity and Plasmodium parasites (the most virulent ones) gaining them. Likewise, the prevalence of multiple infections and parasite infracommunity richness would be reduced. Importantly, differences among populations in the prevalence and richness of parasites are expected to decrease in the future, creating a more homogeneous parasitic landscape. This predicts an altered geographic mosaic of host-parasite relationships, which will modify the interaction arena in which parasite virulence evolves.

Two new species of the feather mite family Gabuciniidae (Acariformes: Pterolichoidea) from wrens (Passeriformes: Troglodytidae).

Two new species of the feather mite family Gabucinidae (Acari: Astigmata) are described from birds of the family Troglodytidae (Passeriformes) from Central America: Piciformobia cinnycerthiae sp. nov. from Cinnycerthia unirufa (Lafresnaye) in Ecuador, and P. henicorhinae sp. nov. from Henicorhina leucosticte (Cabanis) in Costa Rica. These are the first records of mites of the genus Piciformobia Gaud et Atyeo, 1975 from passerine hosts. A renewed diagnosis of the genus Piciformobia and key to all known species are provided.

Limited spillover to humans from West Nile Virus viremic birds in Atlanta, Georgia.

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne pathogen that impacts the health of its passerine bird hosts as well as incidentally infected humans in the United States. Intensive enzootic activity among the hosts and vectors does not always lead to human outbreaks, as is the situation throughout much of the southeastern United States. In Georgia, substantial yearly evidence of WNV in the mosquito vectors and avian hosts since 2001 has only led to 324 human cases. Although virus has been consistently isolated from mosquitoes trapped in Atlanta, GA, little is known about viral activity among the passerine hosts. A possible reason for the suppression of WNV spillover to humans is that viremic birds are absent from high human-use areas of the city. To test this hypothesis, multiseason, multihabitat, longitudinal WNV surveillance for active WNV viremia was conducted within the avian host community of urban Atlanta by collection of blood samples from wild passerine birds in five urban microhabitats. WNV was isolated from the serum of six blood samples collected from 630 (0.95%) wild passerine birds in Atlanta during 2010-2012, a proportion similar to that found in the Chicago, IL, area in 2005, when over 200 human cases were reported. Most of the viremic birds were Northern Cardinals, suggesting they may be of particular importance to the WNV transmission cycle in Georgia. Results indicated active WNV transmission in all microhabitats of urban Atlanta, except in the old-growth forest patches. The number of viremic birds was highest in Zoo Atlanta, where 3.5% of samples were viremic. Although not significant, these observations may suggest a possible transmission reduction effect of urban old-growth forests and a potential role in WNV amplification for Zoo Atlanta. Overall, spillover to humans remains a rare occurrence in urban Atlanta settings despite active WNV transmission in the avian population.

Spatial, temporal, molecular, and intraspecific differences of haemoparasite infection and relevant selected physiological parameters of wild birds in Georgia, USA

The prevalence of five avian haemoparasite groups was examined for effects on health and associations with extrinsic factors. Overall, 786 samples were examined from six sites in two Georgia (USA) watersheds, during breeding and non-breeding periods in 2010 and 2011. Among the four most commonly infected species, Haemoproteus prevalence was significantly higher in Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) compared to Indigo Buntings (Passerina cyanea) and Tufted Titmice (Baeolophus bicolor) while prevalence in White-throated Sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) was significantly higher than in Indigo Buntings. Higher prevalence of Plasmodium was noted in Tufted Titmice and Northern Cardinals. While Leucocytozoon prevalence was highest in White-throated Sparrows, Trypanosoma prevalence was highest in Tufted Titmice. Interesting differences in infection probabilities were noted between foraging guilds with Haemoproteus associated with low-middle level strata and birds in the middle-upper strata were more likely to be infected with Plasmodium and Trypanosoma. In contrast, ground-foraging birds were more likely to be infected with Leucocytozoon. Breeding season was correlated with higher polychromasia counts and higher prevalence of Haemoproteus, Plasmodium and Trypanosoma. In addition, prevalence of infection with certain haemoparasite genera and packed cell volume (PCV) were different among host species. Body mass index was inversely correlated with prevalence of microfilaria infection but positively related to Haemoproteus infection. However, we found no relationship between PCV or polychromasia levels with haemoparasite infection. Molecular characterization of 61 samples revealed 19 unique Haemoproteus (n=7) and Plasmodium (n=12) haplotypes with numerous new host records. No differences were noted in haplotype diversity among birds with different migratory behaviors or foraging heights, thus additional studies are needed that incorporate molecular analysis, host biology, and vector biology into comprehensive models on parasite ecology. Detailed morphological examination of these parasites is also necessary to determine if closely related haplotypes represent single species or morphologically distinct, but closely related, haplotypes.

Cophylogeny of Quill Mites from the GenusSyringophilopsis(Acari: Syringophilidae) and their North American Passerine Hosts

Species of Syringophilopsis quill mites are found in the flight feathers of passerine birds. A phylogeny of species from this genus infecting North American passerines was inferred from the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene and the nuclear 28S ribosomal RNA gene. Based on the large genetic distance among lineages, the genus appears to be composed of several cryptic species. A reconciliation analysis of these mites and their avian hosts indicates a limited, but significant, degree of cophylogeny. However, strict cospeciation is not found to be occurring in this system.