[Report of chewing louse, infestation Philopterus ocellatus (Mallophaga: Ischnocera) from Black Crows (Corvus corone) in Miandoab region, West Azerbaijan province in 2010]

Article in Persian

During summer 2010, in order to investigate ectoparasites infestation, a total of 12 carrion crows (Corvus corone) were caught from Miandoab region. Thereafter, a total of 32 lice (19 female, 13 male) were collected on feathers of seven infested crows and dehydrated, cleared and mounted. Measurements of different body parts of mounted specimens were made. The identification of lice indicated that they belong to Philopterus ocellatus. Morphologically, body is elongated, brown in color, measured about 2-3 mm in length and ≤1 mm in width. Head is triangular in shape, measured 0.7-0.8 mm in length and 0.3- 0.4 mm in width, expanded in the caudal region. Five-segmented, very short antennae with initial long segment lie posterior to conus. It has large buccal cavity having 3-4 pairs of very prominent lateral sensory hairs as pre and postconal setae in which postconal setae are longer than preconal setae. The legs are short ending in a stout single claw. Third pair of legs is relatively sturdy and longer than two other pairs. The abdomen has 9 abdominal segments with abundant setae and quite evident respiratory pores on marginal plates. In females, the ovipositor and in males genitalia with characterizations related to reported species are clearly seen. According to the obtained results, the infestation rates varied from 3
lice in lowest to 8 lice in highest rate. The prevalence of infestation was determinated as 58.33%. Regarding the lack of comprehensive research on bird lice infestation in this study area, it is essential to conduct further extensive studies on various aspects of lice infestation.