01904nas a2200169   4500008004100000245015000041210006900191260000900260300001400269490000800283520130600291100002201597700001801619700001201637700001201649856007301661       2007                        eng d00aDeterminants of population biology of the chewing louse Brueelia apiastri (Mallophaga, Philopteridae) on the European bee-eater (Merops apiaster)0 aDeterminants of population biology of the chewing louse Brueelia  c2007  a399 - 4030 v1343 a<p>In this study we examine the population biology of Brueelia apiastri, a chewing louse living on the European bee-eater (Merops apiaster). We investigate the relationships between parasite intensity of infestation, sex ratio, reproductive output, parasite size and their environment i.e. the morphology, condition, age and sex of the host. Chewing lice were collected, their sex and age (developmental stage) identified and parasite body size determined as a measure of parasite condition (larger individuals consume larger meals and larger females may produce larger clutches). The data show that there is variation in intensity as well as body size of B. apiastri between individual bee-eaters and this variation is independent of the sex of the birds. However, size, condition and age of the birds seem to influence the infestation rates with B. apiastri. The study suggested size-dependent depredation, since more, smaller chewing lice (usually nymphs) living on birds in better condition and birds having longer bills. Furthermore, more male chewing lice (males are smaller than females) live on older birds. Intraspecific competition between parasites seems to have a negative effect on female but not male body size but this result could be also explained by size-dependent depredation.</p>
1 aKrištofík, Ján1 aDarolová, A.1 aHoi, C.1 aHoi, H.  uhttp://www.phthiraptera.info/sites/phthiraptera.info/files/46787.pdf