Effect of Temperature and Relative Humidity on Viability of Campanulotes bidentatus compar (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera)

Small pigeon louse, Campanulotes bidentatus compar were studied in vitro. They were subjected to different temperature i.e. 20 ̊C, 25 ̊C, 30 ̊C, 35 ̊C, 40 ̊C and 45 ̊C and relative humidity i.e. 33%, 50%, 75% and 90% to determine lice longevity, an incubation period of egg, daily egg production and hatching of an egg. The optimum temperature range between 30-40 ̊C was found essential for normal
survival of C. bidentatus compar. The best suitable temperature and humidity were found to be 75±1 ̊C and 75±1%. Temperature above 40 ̊C was lethal to adult as well as developing stages of C. bidentatus compar. Egg laying, survival time, incubation and hatching period dropped as temperature and relative humidity increased or decreased mention range (i.e. above 40  ̊C and 75% and below 30  ̊C and 50%)