First record of Saemundssonia australis Timmermann, 1955 (Mallophaga: Phthiraptera) from Lesser Sheathbill, Chionis minor (Charadriiformes: Chionididae) in the Prince Edward Islands

Abstract

The object of the study was to devise a quick and reliable method for the collection and study of lice present in birds without harm or stress being inflicted on the birds. Described is the feather ruffling collection of parasitic lice Saemundssonia australis from Chionis minor and microscopic observations thereof. A random selection of 10 free-flying Lesser Sheathbills were caught on Marion Island (46°54 ́S, 37°45 ́E) with the aid of a hand net. Approximately 10 lice from each bird were collected. Examination of microphotographs of male and female lice was made. The sex ratio of parasites was approximately equal. All collected lice were adult. All 10 birds were parasitised. © TÜBİTAK.