Ectoparasites from native and introduced birds from Christchurch and surrounding areas, New Zealand: Tuhinga 16

Tuhinga 16: 13 - 20

ABSTRACT: Birds found dead as a result of window-strikes on the University of Canterbury campus (Christchurch, New Zealand) and other dead birds submitted to the Zoology Department were examined for ectoparasites. A total of 244 birds of 22 species were examined during 1998–2000. Silvereyes were found in greatest numbers (n = 133) and were infested with the feather louse, Menacanthus eurysternus (Burmeister, 1838) (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae), which reached greatest prevalence and intensity of infestation in the summer and early autumn months; in general, infestation with lice was not related to host sex. One silvereye was infested with a flea, Ceratophyllus gallinae (Schrank, 1803) (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae), a new host–parasite record for New Zealand. The remaining 21 species of birds were infested with, collectively, at least 20 species of lice (including M. eurysternus). Infestation parameters for lice are provided for all host species examined. One male and one female of Ornithoica sp. (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) were found on blackbirds; one blackbird was infested with a male C. gallinae. Two of three Hutton’s shearwaters examined were infested with the tick, Ixodes uriae White, 1852 (Acari: Ixodidae), a new host–parasite record for New Zealand.

KEYWORDS: New Zealand, ectoparasites, lice, Phthiraptera, fleas, Siphonaptera, Hippoboscidae, ticks, Ixodidae.