Species of the genus Pseudomenopon Mjöberg, 1910 (Mallophaga: Amblycera: Menoponidae) occurring on Philippine Rallidae (Aves: Gruiformes) with description of a new species, Pseudomenopon micosai

Issue Date

1-2012

Abstract

Five species of the avian family Rallidae namely Amaurornis phoenicurus javanicus (white-breasted waterhen), Gallicrex cinerea (watercock), Gallinula chloropus lozanoi (common moorhen), Gallirallus philippensis philippensis (buff-banded rail) and Gallirallus torquatus torquatus were examined live for lice at different periods. Lice were collected and fixed and stored in 70% ethyl alcohol until further study. Lice were processed for examination by cleaning in 5% potassium hydroxide solution, washing in distilled water, dehydrating in increasing grades of ethyl alcohol, clearing in terpineol and mounting in Canada balsam. Representative specimens of the lice were stained with Ziehl-Neelsen (carbol-fuchsin) in absolute ethyl alcohol before clearing in terpineol and mounting in Canada balsam. Three species of chewing lice of the genus Pseudomenopon Mjöberg, 1910 including one new to science were identified from the collection as follows: Pseudomenopon scopulacorne, Ppilosum and P. micosai new species. These are all illustrated based on the present specimens. Pseudomenopon pilosum occurred on all birds examined; P. scopulacorne on Amaurornis phoenicurus javanicus and P. micosai, which is described and illustrated as a new species, on Gallirallus philippensis philippensis and Gallirallus torquatus torquatus. The new species is characterized by a unique male genitalia especially the roughly rectangular principal genital sclerite, a short head seta 7, absence of a pair of pointed post palpal processes, a very long lateral anal setae in the female, and a different chaetotaxy in terms of distribution, number and size of setae in both the male and female. It is differentiated from species of the genus Pseudomenopon especially those occurring on the Rallidae. A summary of Pseudomenopon species together with their specific avian hosts, so far recorded from Rallidae in the Philippines is provided.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Journal of Veterinary Medicine

ISSN

0031-7705

Volume

49

Page

21-29

Document Type

Article

Language

English

Subject

Chewing lice, Ectoparasites, Mallophaga, P. micosai, P. scopulacorne, Philippines, Pseudomenopon pilosum, Rallidae

Digital Copy

yes

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