Bio-ecology of the louse, Upupicola upupae, infesting the Common Hoopoe, Upupa epops.

Abstract The population characteristics of the louse, Upupicola upupae (Shrank) (Mallophaga: Philopteridae: Ishnocera), infesting the Common Hoopae, Upupa epops L. (Aves: Upupiformes), were recorded during 2007-08 in District Rampur, Uttar Pradesh India. The pattern of frequency distribution of the louse conformed to the negative binomial model. The lice and its nits were reared in vitro at 35 ± 1° C, 75-82 % RH, on a feather diet. The data obtained was used to construct the life table and to determine the intrinsic rate of natural increase (0.035 female/day), the net reproductive rate was 3.67 female eggs/female, the generation time was 37 days, and the doubling time of the population was 19 days. The chaetotaxy of the three nymphal instars has also been noted to record their diagnostic characteristics. Information on egg morphology and antennal sensilla is also presented.

Population characteristics and the nature of egg shells of two Phthirapteran species parasitizing Indian cattle egrets.

The prevalence, intensities of infestation, range of infestation and population composition of two phthirapteran species, Ardeicola expallidus Blagoveshtchensky (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae) and Ciconiphilus decimfasciatus Boisduval and Lacordaire (Menoponidae) on seventy cattle egrets were recorded during August 2004 to March 2005, in India. The frequency distribution patterns of both the species were skewed but did not correspond to the negative binomial model. The oviposition sites, egg laying patterns and the nature of the eggs of the two species were markedly different.

Stray notes on two phthirapteran species occurring on Indian grey Horn Bill, Tockus birostris Scopoli (Coraciformes: Bucerotidae).

Two phthirapteran species (an amblyceran Chapinia clayae and an ischnoceran, Buceroemersonia clarkei) were recovered from eight Indian grey Horn Bills, during 2009 in district Rampur (India). The occurrence of B. clarkei on Indian birds has not been noted earlier. The population characteristics of both the species have been recorded. On the basis of crop contents C. clayae appeared to be a probable haematophagous. The egg chorion of B. clarkei appeared smooth that of C. clayae bears sculpturing.

Menacanthus palmai, a new species of chewing louse (Menoponidae: Amblycera: Phthiraptera) from the Coturnix coromandelica.

The new species Menacanthus palmai collected from Coturnix coromandelica (Gmelin), in Rampur district (UP), India, is described and illustrated. Morphologically the new species is close to M. abdominalis from Coturnix coturnix but differs in having long pointed ventral processes on the postero-medial angles of the second to fifth pleurites. Furthermore, these two species also differ in the number of tergal and sternal abdominal setae, and the morphology of the male genitalia. Another species, Menacanthus pallipes from C. chinensis, does not have ventral processes on the postero-medial angles of pleurites.

Egg laying site and oviposition pattern of two Phthirapteran species parasitizing red whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus).

OBJECTIVE: Present study was performed to record the oviposition and egg laying pattern of two phthirapteran species infesting red whiskered Bulbul. METHODS: The number of egg laid by each species on different parts of body was recorded by direct observation under stereozoom binocular microscope. Feathers bearing egg were subjected to SEM to observe the pattern of egg laying. RESULTS: The maximum percentage of egg of the ischnoceran louse, Brueelia guldum were recorded on feather of back region, followed by neck and breast. The amblyceran louse, Menacanthus eurysternus prefers to lay eggs mainly on neck, head and nape feathers. CONCLUSION: The ischnoceran louse, Brueelia guldum exhibits widespread oviposition sites while amblyceran louse, Menacanthus eurysternus shows restricted oviposition sites on the host body.

Prevalence of Myrsidea salimalii (Amblycera: Phthiraptera) on striated babblers (Turdoides earlei) (Timaliidae: Passeriformes: Aves).

Survey of literature showed that the population characteristics of the phthirapterans parasitizing striated babblers deserved investigation. Hence, 30 birds were examined during 2007-2009 in district Rampur U.P. The prevalence of an amblyceran louse, Myrsidea salimalii on striated babblers was 40%. The mean intensity of infestation and the sample mean abundance were 33.5 and 13.4, respectively. The variance to mean ratio of the population exceeded unity (36.24). The frequency distribution pattern of the louse was aggregated but did not conform to the negative binomial model. Females outnumbered the males in natural condition (M:F-1:1.4) while the nymphal population had an edge over adult population (A:N-1:1.3).