Preliminary Experimentations on the in Vitro Rearing of Hematophagous Pigeon Louse Hohorstiella lata (Amblycera: Phthiraptera: Insecta)

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2021
Authors:G. Khan, Roy, S., Gupta, N., Ahmad, A., Kumar, S.
Journal:Journal of Parasitology
Volume:107
Issue:2
Pagination:304-308
Date Published:Apr-2021
ISSN:0022-3395
Keywords:In Vitro, Pigeon louse
Abstract:

Rearing hematophagous amblyceran lice in vitro is a challenging task. The hematophagous nature and active habits of amblycerans are distinct hurdles to in vitro rearing. The literature indicates only limited success in rearing the hematophagous amblyceran avian louse. Herein we report on the results of in vitro experimentation on an amblyceran pigeon louse, Hohorstiella lata. The incubation period of eggs was 5.47 ± 0.52 days. The durations of first, second, and third nymphal instars were 5.14 ± 0.55, 5.65 ± 0.83, and 6.35 ± 0.82 days, respectively. The average lifespan of adult females (7.45 ± 5.88 days) was higher than adult males (4.61 ± 3.57 days). Adult females laid a lifetime average of 3.73 eggs at a rate of 0.45 eggs/female/day under in vitro conditions (35 ± 1 C, 75-82% relative humidity, feather diet).

URL:https://bioone.org/journals/journal-of-parasitology/volume-107/issue-2/20-108/Preliminary-Experimentations-on-the-in-Vitro-Rearing-of-Hematophagous-Pigeon/10.1645/20-108.short
DOI:10.1645/20-108
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