Taxonomy of New World Columbicola (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae) from the Columbiformes (Aves), with descriptions of five new species

Abstract

Twelve previously described species of Columbicola are recognized and redescribed. The species Columbicola extinctus Malcomson, previously recognized only from the extinct passenger pigeon, Ectopistes migratorius (L.), is 'brought back' from extinction by showing it to be conspecific with lice from the extant band-tailed pigeon, Columba fasciata Say. Five new species are described: drowni [type host Metriopelia melanoptera (Molina)], altamimiae [type host Metriopelia aymara (Prevost)], adamsi (type host Columba speciosa Gmelin), waggermani (type host Columba squamosa Bonnaterre), and waltheri [type host Geotrygon linearis (Prevost)]. Columbicola triangularis Eichler and Columbicola gymnopeliae Eichler are removed from synonymy and recognized as valid species. Columbicola pseudolipeurusque Eichler is considered a junior synonym of Columbicola passerinae (Wilson) rather than of Columbicola macrourae (Wilson). We remark on informal groupings of the species and provide a key for the identification of the 17 species recognized in this article.