Diversity and Spatial Distribution of Chewing Lice (Psocodea: Phthiraptera) Infesting Waterfowl (Anseriformes: Anatidae) in Sindh, Pakistan

This study reports the diversity and spatial distribution of chewing lice infesting ducks and geese (Order: Anseriformes, Family Anatidae) inhabiting Sindh Province, Pakistan. The study was conducted from July 2019 to June 2021. A total of 162 specimens representing thirteen species (Anas acuta, A. crecca, A. platyrhynchos, A. penelope, Aythya ferina, A. fuligula, A. nyroca, Anser anser, A. albifrons, A. indicus, Marmaronetta angustirostris, Spatula clypeata, and S. querquedula) were examined. Of these, 97 birds (59.87%) were infested with chewing lice. A total of 972 lice specimens belonging to eight species of two families were identified: Menoponidae (Holomenopon fatemae, H. leucoxanthum, Trinoton anserinum and T. querquedulae) and Philopteridae (Anaticola crassicornis, A. mergiserrati, Anatoecus dentatus, A. icterodes). Spatial distribution analysis revealed that A. crassicornis was most prevalent (n = 290) on wing and tail contour feathers, H. leucoxanthum was found on flank down feathers (n = 90), while A. icterodes was concentrated in the head and neck region (n = 142). The prevalence of female lice was higher than that of males. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first comprehensive record of chewing lice associated with Anatidae birds from Sindh, Pakistan.