The distribution and diversity of chewing lice (Phthiraptera) on the Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus in Algeria

Capsule: The distribution and prevalence of chewing lice found on Common Moorhens Gallinula chloropus varied between seasons and peaked during the winter. There was also significant variation in how lice were distributed around the body regions of the hosts.

Aims: To identify the species of lice found on the Common Moorhen, evaluate the seasonal variation in their intensity of infestation and determine spatial distribution on the hosts.

Methods: Eighty-six Common Moorhens were captured, examined for lice, and released from December 2018 to February 2020 at Lake Tonga, Algeria. Lice were extracted, preserved in 70% ethanol, cleared, and mounted in Canada balsam for identification. The population mean intensity and prevalence of lice species were calculated for each season. Data were inspected using descriptive statistical tools, such as principal component analysis, to explore spatial dispersion on the body regions of the hosts.

Results: Five louse species were identified: Pseudomenopon pilosum, Rallicola minutus, Laemobothrion chloropodis, Fulicoffula sp, and Incidifrons gallinulae, with percentages of prevalence of 79.07%, 70.93%, 56.98%, 40.70%, and 23.26%, respectively. Their prevalence varied significantly across months, with a peak in the winter. Louse species were non-randomly distributed across the body regions of the hosts.

Conclusion: This study documents the distribution and diversity of chewing lice on the Common Moorhen for the first time in Algeria and establishes a baseline dataset for further monitoring studies.