Three new species of the genus Philopteroides Mey, 2004 (Phthiraptera, Ischnocera, Philopteridae) from New Zealand

Abstract

We describe and illustrate three new species of chewing lice in the genus Philopteroides parasitic on passer-ines (Order Passeriformes, families Acanthizidae, Rhipiduridae and Petroicidae) from New Zealand. They are: Philopteroides pilgrimi sp. n. from Gerygone igata igata; Ph. fuliginosus sp. n. from Rhipidura fuliginosa placabilis and R. f. fuliginosa; and Ph. macrocephalus sp. n. from Petroica macrocephala macrocephala and P. m. dannefaerdi. The identity of Docophorus lineatus Giebel, 1874 is discussed based on its morphology and host association. We also transfer Tyranniphilopterus beckeri to the genus Philopteroides, and provide a key to identify adults of 12 of the 13 species now included in Philopteroides.