Genetic variation in the Heterodoxus octoseriatus group (Phthiraptera): A test of Price's model of parasite evolution

Most of the genetic variation in the H. octoseriatus group is present as fixed gene differences between species that have been described on morphological criteria. Based on allozymes, the taxonomic status of some species was challenged. There was insufficient evidence, however, to demonstrate that these were not good biological species. Overall, the limited intraspecific variation was present as fixed gene differences amoung lice from different hosts and from different colonies of host.; heterozygotes were rare. Two predictions derived from Price's model of parasite evolution were met: populations of lice were genetically homogenous and , where genetic markers were present we found substancial genetic variation amoung populations. These data contrast for those of endoparasitic helminths, where, in general the amount of genetic variation is similar to that of free-living invertebrates.