Ectoparasite transfer during mating in ring-necked pheasants Phasianus colchicus

There are three models of parasite-mediated sexual selection by female choice. Females may get (1) indirect, genetic gains; (2) direct, parental care gains and (3) direct contagion avoidance gains. Little is known about frequency and mechanisms of parasite transfer during mating. In an experiment, 20 male pheasants had lice removed. One week later sticky tape was placed on their legs and they were then allowed to mate with Mallophaga-infested females. A significant number of males were infested with lice within two seconds. These results support the contagion avoidance hypothesis, while not discounting other models.