@article {96479, title = {How many threatened lice are there? An approximation to the red list of the Spanish Phthiraptera}, journal = {International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife}, volume = {23}, year = {2024}, month = {Apr-01-2024}, pages = {5 pp}, abstract = {

Highlights

Abstract

Although the idea of conserving parasites as part of biodiversity is not new, these in general and lice in particular, are not included in the threatened list of invertebrate fauna. Assuming that the conservation status of a lice species is similar to that of its host, the number of threatened lice within the Spanish entomofauna was estimated based on the known host-lice assemblages. The lice parasitizing many of the Spanish birds and mammals are unknown. Overall, I found 6 extinct (EX) species; 4 critically endangered (CR); 15 endangered (EN), 7 vulnerable (VU) and 1 species near threatened (NT), at regional level. Since the status of hosts varies through time and space, it, (together with those of their lice, must be periodically updated. In addition to a number of reasons that justify the conservation of parasites, lice deserve being conserved, particularly, because of their scientific value.

}, keywords = {Aegypoecus perspicuous, Aquila adalberti, Aquiligogus barbate, Aquiligogus imperialis, birds, Coloceras brittanicum, conservation, Gyps hymalayensis, Halipeurus abnormis, Hohortsiella streptopeliae, lice, mammals, Neocolpocephalum percnopteri, Nisaetus cirrhatus, Spain, Streptopelia turtur, Turnix sylvatica}, issn = {2213-2244}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.100903}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213224423001049}, author = {Jes{\'u}s M. P{\'e}rez} } @article {96204, title = {Co-infection patterns in the ectoparasitic community affecting the Iberian ibex Capra pyrenaica}, journal = {Parasites \& Vectors}, volume = {16}, year = {2023}, month = {May-30-2023}, pages = {12 pp}, abstract = {

Background Sarcoptic mange is one of the main parasitic diseases affecting the Iberian ibex Capra pyrenaica. Scabietic animals suffer a decline in body condition and reproductive fitness and in severe cases may die. Although several previous studies of the pathology of this disease and the physiological changes it produces in ibex have been carried out in recent years, our knowledge of the relationship between Sarcoptes scabiei and other ectoparasites of this host is still limited.

Methods We analysed 430 Iberian ibex skin samples. Ectoparasites were removed, counted and identified. Mite (S. scabiei) numbers were obtained after digesting the skin samples in a 5\% KOH solution. We modelled mite numbers in terms of host sex and age, site, year, season and the presence of other ectoparasites such as ticks and lice using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) and ectoparasite co-occurrence patterns using two different models: the probabilistic model species co-occurrence and the generalized linear latent variable model (GLLVM).

Results The ectoparasite community was mainly composed of S. scabiei, six ticks (Haemaphysalis sulcata, Haemaphysalis punctata, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Dermacentor marginatus and Ixodes ricinus) and two lice (Bovicola crassipes and Linognathus stenopsis). Adult male ibex harboured more mites than females. Mite numbers varied greatly spatially and seasonally and increased with the presence of other parasites. Some positive co-occurrence relationships between pairs of different ectoparasites were observed, particularly between ticks. The presence of S. scabiei negatively affected lice and H. sulcata numbers.

Conclusions Sarcoptic mange has spread above all in ibex populations in and around the Mediterranean Basin, where it is now found in almost a third of its host\’s range. Mite numbers varied seasonally and spatially and were higher in male hosts. The presence of S. scabiei had a negative effect on lice numbers but favoured the presence of ticks. Graphical Abstract

}, keywords = {co-infection, ectoparasites, epidemiology, Iberian Peninsula, lice, Sarcoptes scabiei, ticks}, issn = {1756-3305}, doi = {10.1186/s13071-023-05797-y}, url = {https://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-023-05797-y}, author = {Mar{\'\i}a J. Fern{\'a}ndez-Mu{\~n}oz and Raquel Castillo-Contreras and Jes{\'u}s M. P{\'e}rez and Granados, Jos{\'e} E. and Francisco J. M{\'a}rquez and Antonio J. L{\'o}pez-Montoya} } @article {96004, title = {Detailed morphological structure and phylogenetic relationships of Degeeriella punctifer (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae), a parasite of the bearded vulture Gypaetus barbatus (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae)}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, year = {2023}, month = {Jan-10-2023}, pages = {11 pp}, abstract = {

Habitat loss is one of the main threats to species survival and, in the case of parasites, it is their hosts that provide their habitat. Therefore, extinction even at local scale of host taxa also implies the extinction of their parasites in a process known as co-extinction. This is the case of the bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), which almost became extinct at the beginning of the twentieth century. After several attempts, this species was successfully reintroduced into the Alps at the end of the twentieth century. We collected 25 lice specimens from an electrocuted bearded vulture from Susa (Italian Alps) that were morphologically identified as Degeeriella punctifer. Six individuals were studied by scanning electron microscopy, with particular emphasis on their cephalic sensorial structures, while four further specimens were characterized at molecular level by amplifying partial regions of the 12SrRNA, COX1 and elongation factor 1 alpha (EF-1) genes. From a morphological perspective, the number, type and arrangement of the sensillae on the two distal antennal segments is quite similar to that of other species of the family Philopteridae (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera). The mandibles and tarsal claws allow lice to cling firmly to their host\’s feathers. Phylogenetic analyses help unravel the paraphyletic nature of the genus Degeeriella and demonstrate the clear differentiation between lice parasitizing Accipitriformes and Falconiformes, as well as the close relationship between D. punctifer, D. fulva, D. nisus and Capraiella sp. that, along with other genera, parasitize rollers (Aves: Coraciiformes).

}, keywords = {ecology, genetics, Zoology}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-023-27774-2}, url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-27774-2}, author = {Jes{\'u}s M. P{\'e}rez and {\'A}ngeles S{\'a}ez and Gracia Li{\'e}banas and Rossi,L. and Fern{\'a}ndez,Mercedes and Natalia Fraija-Fern{\'a}ndez} } @article {95738, title = {Drivers of the Ectoparasite Community and Co-Infection Patterns in Rural and Urban Burrowing Owls}, journal = {Biology}, volume = {11}, year = {2022}, month = {Jul-29-2022}, pages = {1141}, type = {Open Access}, abstract = {

Simple Summary: We analyzed the ectoparasite community of a monomorphic and non-social bird, the burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia, breeding in rural and urban habitats. Such community was composed by two lice, one mite and one flea species. Rural individuals had more fleas and less mites than urban ones. Adult birds harbored less ectoparasites than young ones and females
harbored more lice than males. The presence of lice was positively related to the presence of fleas. On the contrary, the presence of mites was negatively related to the presence of fleas and lice. The study of parasite communities in urban and rural populations of the same species can shed light on how urban stressor factors impact the physiology of wildlife inhabiting cities and, therefore, the host-parasite relationships.

Abstract: Urbanization creates new ecological conditions that can affect biodiversity at all levels, including the diversity and prevalence of parasites of species that may occupy these environments. However, few studies have compared bird\–ectoparasite interactions between urban and rural individuals. Here, we analyze the ectoparasite community and co-infection patterns of urban and rural burrowing owls, Athene cunicularia, to assess the influence of host traits (i.e., sex, age, and weight), and environmental factors (i.e., number of conspecifics per nest, habitat type and aridity) on its composition. Ectoparasites of burrowing owls included two lice, one flea, and one mite. The overall prevalence for mites, lice and fleas was 1.75\%, 8.76\% and 3.50\%, respectively. A clear pattern of co-infection was detected between mites and fleas and, to less extent, between mites and lice. Adult owls harbored fewer ectoparasites than nestlings, and adult females harbored more lice than males. Our results also show that mite and flea numbers were higher when more conspecifics cohabited the same burrow, while lice showed the opposite pattern. Rural individuals showed higher flea parasitism and lower mite parasitism than urban birds. Moreover, mite numbers were negatively correlated with aridity and host weight. Although the ectoparasitic load of burrowing owls appears to be influenced by individual age, sex, number of conspecifics per nest, and habitat characteristics, the pattern of co-infection found among ectoparasites could also be mediated by unexplored factors such as host immune response, which deserves further research.

}, keywords = {co-infection, ectoparasite, fleas, lice, mites, Urban ecology}, issn = {2079-7737}, doi = {10.3390/biology11081141}, url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/11/8/1141}, author = {{\'A}ngeles S{\'a}ez and Antonio J. L{\'o}pez-Montoya and {\'A}lvaro Luna and Pedro Romero-Vidal and Antonio Palma and Tella,Jos{\'e} L. and Martina Carrete and Gracia Li{\'e}banas and Jes{\'u}s M. P{\'e}rez} } @article {95407, title = {The morphology of Colpocephalum pectinatum (Phthiraptera: Amblycera: Menoponidae) under scanning electron microscopy}, journal = {Arthropod Structure \& Development}, volume = {64}, year = {2021}, month = {Sep-01-2021}, pages = {8 pp}, type = {e-101085}, abstract = {

Highlights:

Here, we describe under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the morphology of Colpocephalum pectinatum (Phthiraptera, Menoponidae), an ectoparasite found in burrowing owls, Athene cunicularia. We devote particular attention to the morphology of the main structures of the head (antennae and mouth-parts) and legs (tarsi and femoral ctenidia). Moreover, we describe the main peripheral sensory organs, located in the labial palpi and the distal end of antennae. We also detected that the structure of antennae and antennal sensilla arrangement are very similar to that described for other Colpocephalum and Menoponid species, and we discuss the function of each type of sensilla. We suggest that SEM studies combined with other microscopy and physiological techniques could be useful for elucidate the function of each structure, lice behaviour, as well as their taxonomy.

}, keywords = {morphology, SEM}, issn = {1467-8039}, doi = {10.1016/j.asd.2021.101085}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1467803921000591}, author = {Gracia Li{\'e}banas and {\'A}ngeles S{\'a}ez and {\'A}lvaro Luna and Pedro Romero-Vidal and Antonio Palma and Jes{\'u}s M. P{\'e}rez} } @article {94568, title = {Orden Phthiraptera}, journal = {Ibero Diversidad Entomol{\'o}gica @ccesible - SEA}, volume = {51}, year = {2015}, month = {30-06-2015}, pages = {1 - 11}, type = {Web-based manual}, issn = {2386 -7183}, url = {http://sea-entomologia.org/IDE@/revista_51.pdf}, author = {Jes{\'u}s M. P{\'e}rez} } @article {94272, title = {Sarcoptes scabiei infestation does not alter the stability of ectoparasite communities}, journal = {Parasites \& Vectors}, volume = {9}, year = {2016}, month = {Jan-12-2016}, abstract = {

Background: The host represents a heterogeneous ecosystem where multiple parasite species co-occur and interact with each other for space and resources. Although these interactions may rule the features of an infracommunity and may shape the infracommunity response to external perturbations, the resilience of ectoparasite communities to new infestations remains poorly explored.
Methods: We analysed the composition of the ectoparasite communities found on 214 individual Iberian ibexes (Capra pyrenaica) inhabiting the Sierra Nevada Natural Space, southern Spain. Using classification and regression trees, we explored how the presence of Sarcoptes scabiei (a highly contagious mite), the off-host environment and the host sex govern the prevalence and abundance of lice and ticks. Null model analysis was applied to assess the impact of S. scabiei on the structure of the ectoparasite communities.
Results: Our results suggest that S. scabiei infestation acts in tandem with off-host environment and host sex to define the prevalence and abundance of lice and ticks. We also provided evidence for differences in species co-occurrence only at the early stages of S. scabiei infestation. Regarding species diversity, we recorded that ectoparasite communities in scabietic ibexes reached a high richness faster than those in healthy individuals.
Conclusions: Even though we show that ectoparasite burden is correlated with S. scabiei infestation, off-host environment and host sex, the species response to S. scabiei infestation and climate seem to be highly variable and influenced by ectoparasite life-history traits. Ectoparasite communities also appear resilient to perturbations which is in agreement with what was previously reported for endoparasites. Future refinement of sample collection and the incorporation of ecological and epidemiological-related variables may allow us to establish causal effects and deepen the knowledge about the mechanisms and consequences of ectoparasite interactions.

}, keywords = {Capra pyrenaica, Community ecology, Ecosystem engineer, Multiparasitism, Sarcoptes scabiei}, doi = {10.1186/s13071-016-1659-2}, url = {http://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-016-1659-2}, author = {Carvalho, Jo{\~a}o and Serrano, Emmanuel and Pettorelli, Nathalie and Granados, Jos{\'e} E. and Habela, Miguel A. and Olmeda, Sonia and Fonseca, Carlos and Jes{\'u}s M. P{\'e}rez} } @article {68773, title = {The dilemma of conserving parasites: the case of Felicola (Lorisicola) isidoroi (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae) and its host, the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)}, journal = {Insect Conservation and Diversity}, volume = {6}, year = {2013}, month = {Jan-11-2013}, pages = {680 - 686}, abstract = {

:q

1. Parasites are essential elements in healthy natural ecosystems. Also, they constitute most of the world\’s biodiversity. Therefore, they deserve to be conserved together with their hosts.
2. The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is the most endangered felid in the world because it only survives in two isolated populations in the Iberian Peninsula, with no more than 300 free-ranging individuals.
3. Felicola (Lorisicola) isodoroi is a louse exclusively parasitic on the Iberian lynx, and it appears to be scarcer and therefore more endangered than its host.
4. Current management activities devoted to the conservation of the Iberian lynx, such as reproduction in captivity for restocking, could compromise the survival of its louse species.
5. In this article we revise the ectoparasites of the Iberian lynx and discuss their potential role for transmission of pathogens.
6. Also, we propose measures which could enhance the survival of F. (L.) isidoroi.

}, keywords = {Conservation programme, ectoparasites, Felicola (Lorisicola) isidoroi, host management, Iberian lynx, parasite conservation, trichodectidae}, doi = {10.1111/icad.2013.6.issue-610.1111/icad.12021}, author = {Jes{\'u}s M. P{\'e}rez and S{\'a}nchez, I{\~n}igo and Ricardo L. Palma} } @article {47776, title = {Occurrence of chewing lice on Spanish raptors}, journal = {Ardeola}, volume = {43}, year = {1996}, month = {1996}, pages = {129 - 138}, abstract = {

SUMMnRK-Occurrence of chewino lice on Snuiiish ranror.7. Between 1985 and 1992. 304 falconiform birds of 21 species were survCyedfor \&toparasites. mainly\&$\#$39;chewing lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera).The genera (and in most cases, the species)of the louse populations were determined. both gualitatively and auantita- tivelv. The mean ~revalcnceobtained reached \&nost 42 \%. the number of oara\&tesraneine froml to 324 (me\& value=30.\&$\#$39;1k44.1lice/liosi parasitized).Data on seasonal prevalenk, intensityk \&msitism. and location on the host are presented. The moult of birds was the only factor studied alTecting significantly the prevalence and intensity oT parasitism.

RESUMEN.-Frecuencia de lo narasitacirln nor ~ioiosnuisficodores en rumces esm\íolas. Entre las ahos 1985 y 1992 se muestrearon 304 a v e i de presa pertenecientes a 21 especiec con objeto de estudiar los ecto-pardsitos. principitlmentc los mal6hgos (Insecta. Phthiraptera) SI: determinaron los g6neros ( y en muchos\ media \üIcanr6 casi cl 42 \%. variando el niimero de parcsitos entre 1 g 324 (media=30.1 t44.1 piojos1\&OS las \&necies) de las ooblaciones de ~ioios.tanto cilitativa como cuantitativ;~menteL. a ~revalencia\ hospcdador parasitadol. Se presentan dalos sobre la prevalencia estiicional. intensidad de ia parasitaci\ón y localizaci6n en el hospedidor. La muda de las aves fue el dnico hctor estudiado que afect\ó de forma signilicativa la prevalencia e intensidad de la parasitacibn.

}, keywords = {Occurrence. Phthiraptera, Spanish raptors.}, url = {http://www.ardeola.org/files/323.pdf}, author = {Jes{\'u}s M. P{\'e}rez and Ruiz-Mart{\'\i}nez,L. and Cooper,J. E.} } @article {44306, title = {Contribuci{\'o}n al conocimiento del g{\'e}nero Colpocephalum Nitzsch, 1818 (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) en Espa{\~n}a}, journal = {Investigaciones de la Biosfera}, volume = {1}, year = {1996}, month = {1996}, pages = {35 - 41}, abstract = {

Between 1985 and 1992, 304 falconiform birds of 2l species were surveyed for ectoparasites, mainly chewing lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera). The genera (and in most cases, the species) of the louse populations were determined, both qualitatively and quantitatively. The mean prevalence obtained reached almost 42\%, the number of parasites ranging from 1 to 324 (mean value=30.1+44.1 lice/host parasitized). Data on seasonal prevalenee, intensity of parasitism, and location on the host are presented. The moult of birds was the only factor studied affecting significantly the prevalence and intensity of parasitism.

}, keywords = {Occurrence, Phthiraptera, Spanish}, url = {https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260854592_Contribucion_al_conocimiento_del_genero_Colpocephalum_Nitzsch_1818_Phithiraptera_Menoponidae_en_Espana}, author = {Jes{\'u}s M. P{\'e}rez and Granados, Jos{\'e} E.} } @article {43375, title = {The morphology of Laemobothrion (Laemobothrion) maximum (Phthiraptera: Laemobothriidae)}, journal = {Parazitologiya}, volume = {37}, year = {1995}, month = {1995}, pages = {45 - 51}, abstract = {

Adult specimens of Laemobothrion (L.) maximum (Scopoli, 1763), a buzzard louse species, were studied using scanning electron microscopy and paying special attention to sensitive structures, mainly those located on the head, mouthparts, abdomen and legs. Data on shape and size of palpl and antennal sensilla, as well as post-spiracular ones, were obtained. Some modifications of the mouthparts were observed.

}, url = {https://www.researchgate.net/publication/14668860_The_morphology_of_Laemobothrion_Laemobothrion_maximum_Phthiraptera_Laemobothriidae}, author = {Jes{\'u}s M. P{\'e}rez and Granados, Jos{\'e} E. and Ruiz,I.} } @article {41442, title = {First records of species of the genus Nosopon Hopkins, 1950 (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) in Spain}, journal = {Research and Reviews in Parasitology}, volume = {58}, year = {1998}, month = {2000}, pages = {145 - 148}, keywords = {mtax, PHP}, url = {http://phthiraptera.info/sites/phthiraptera.info/files/41442.pdf}, author = {Jes{\'u}s M. P{\'e}rez and Ricardo L. Palma} } @article {39799, title = {A new species of Felicola (Phthiraptera : Trichodectidae) from the endangered Iberian lynx: another reason to ensure its survival}, journal = {Biodiversity and Conservation}, volume = {10}, year = {2001}, month = {2001}, pages = {929 - 937}, abstract = {

A new chewing louse species, Felicola (Lorisicola) isidoroi, is described and illustrated from a male Iberian lynx, Lynx pardinus (Carnivora: Felidae) in southern Spain. Although the new species is based only on a single adult male, it was felt that the scarcity of the host and the distinctiveness of the louse warranted its description. Considering the high degree of host-specificity of this group of lice, the current conservation status of the host as the most vulnerable felid species in the world, and the low prevalence shown by the new louse, we propose the status of endangered for the louse species also. A list of parasites recorded on Lynx pardinus and other carnivore hosts from the Iberian Peninsula is given, and their host-specificity is discussed.

}, keywords = {Chewing lice, Felicola, Iberian, isidoroi, lice, Lorisicola, lynx, mtax, n.sp., parasite, PHP, sheep, soay, sp.nov., trichodectidae}, url = {http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.577.9831\&rep=rep1\&type=pdf}, author = {Jes{\'u}s M. P{\'e}rez and Ricardo L. Palma} } @article {39589, title = {Occurence of chewing lice on spanish raptors}, journal = {Ardeola}, volume = {43}, year = {1996}, month = {1996}, pages = {129 - 138}, abstract = {

Between 1985 and 1992, 304 falconiform birds of 2l species were surveyed for ectoparasites, mainly chewing lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera). The genera (and in most cases, the species) of the louse populations were determined, both qualitatively and quantitatively. The mean prevalence obtained reached almost 42\%, the number of parasites ranging from 1 to 324 (mean value=30.1+44.1 lice/host parasitized). Data on seasonal prevalenee, intensity of parasitism, and location on the host are presented. The moult of birds was the only factor studied affecting significantly the prevalence and intensity of parasitism.

}, keywords = {Occurrence, Phthiraptera, Spanish}, url = {http://www.phthiraptera.info/sites/phthiraptera.info/files/1151.pdf}, author = {Jes{\'u}s M. P{\'e}rez and Ruiz Mart{\'\i}nez,I. and Cooper,J. E.} } @article {39292, title = {The first description of male Craspedorrhynchus subbuteonis Gallego, Martin \& Aguirre, 1987 (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera: Philopteridae)}, journal = {Annales de la Soci{\'e}t{\'e} Entomologique de France}, volume = {31}, year = {1995}, note = {In addition to the key a dendrogram showing similarity coefficients between eleven Craspedorrhynchus species is given. Figures for male and female Craspedorrhynchus subbuteonis are included.}, month = {1995}, pages = {285 - 291}, abstract = {

Male Craspedorrhynchus subbuteonis Gallego, Martin \& Aguirre, 1987 is described for the first time and new data on females of this species are given. Material studied was collected on a European hobby, Falco subbuteo, from Granada, Southern Spain. In addition, a key to identification of the Craspedorrhynchus species known to occurr [sic] in Spain is included.

}, url = {http://www.phthiraptera.info/sites/phthiraptera.info/files/0719.pdf}, author = {Jes{\'u}s M. P{\'e}rez and Mar{\'\i}a Paz Mart{\'\i}n-Mateo} } @article {39114, title = {Bacteriological study of the feathers and lice of captive common buzzards (Buteo buteo)}, journal = {Avian Pathology}, volume = {23}, year = {1994}, month = {1994}, pages = {163 - 168}, abstract = {

We have investigated the external and internal bacterial flora associated with several species of lice parasites of captive common buzzards (Buteo buteo) and studied the bacterial flora on the host feathers. The bacterial flora inside the ectoparasites was significatively different from that of their surface. Bacteria of genus Staphylococcus, especially S. aureus, predominated, being more abundant on lice surface. Bacillus was another Gram-positive bacteria frequently isolated, although it was more abundant as a component of the internal flora. A very low number of enterobacteria and strict anaerobes was obtained. Bacteria isolated from bird feathers reveal some contamination from humans.

}, url = {http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/03079459408418984}, author = {Jes{\'u}s M. P{\'e}rez and Extremera,A. L. and Ruiz,I.} }