First record of Ibidoecus plataleae (Denny, 1842) (Ischnocera: Philopteridae) from the Black-faced Spoonbill, Platalea minor Temminck and Schlegel, 1849 (Pelecaniformes: Threskiornithidae) in the Republic of Korea

Highlight:

• New record of Ibidoecus plataleae from the Black-faced Spoonbill (Platalea minor) in Republic of Korea.
• Precise identification of diagnostic morphological features using light microscopy analysis.
• Provides baseline morphometric data for I. plataleae.
• Scanning electron microscopy provides a detailed habitus of I. plataleae.
• Phylogenetic analysis and genetic distance assessment of I. plataleae.

Abstract:

Chewing lice are highly host-specific, permanent ectoparasites of birds. This feature potentially places lice infesting endangered hosts at an even greater risk of extinction than the hosts themselves. Despite this ecological significance, research on chewing lice parasitizing endangered birds in the Republic of Korea remains limited. This study aims to document and provide taxonomic information on the chewing lice species infesting the wild population of the endangered Black-faced Spoonbill (Platalea minor) in Korea. In July 2025, five spoonbills were examined for ectoparasites. Collected specimens were morphologically identified using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), focusing on key diagnostic characters. Additionally, we performed a phylogenetic analysis and compared genetic distances. Based on the morphological and molecular analyses, our specimens were identified as Ibidoecus plataleae (Denny, 1842). This study represents the first report of I. plataleae from the Black-faced Spoonbill in Korea.