THE NORTHERN FOWL MITE (LIPONYSSUS SYLVIARUM C. & F., 1877): INVESTIGATIONS AT MACDONALD COLLEGE, QUE., WITH A SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS WORK

Abstract

This paper gives a complete review of past work on the northern fowl mite. The generic name for the species is Liponyssus Kolenati, 1859. To show the geographical distribution of this mite, 20 bird and two mammalian hosts are given in systematic order. A seeming discrepancy in previous descriptions of the protonymph is figured and described. A description of the larva and of the males, resembling those of L. bursa, is given with figures. They were taken, with males of L. sylviarum, from fowls at Macdonald College, but all females taken from the birds are as described for L. sylviarum. Average duration of the egg stage is 30.4 hr. and of the larval stage 8.33 hr. at 100°–104° F. and 90–100% relative humidity. All attempts at artificial feeding failed. This mite does not aestivate and will not breed upon chicks. It multiplies rapidly, spreads readily from bird to bird, and survives long periods of starvation, but temperatures below 7° F. cause death in a short time, when away from the host. The high thermal death point lies between 104.2 and 108.5° F. The economic importance is uncertain but might be great. Control is cheaply and easily accomplished by the use of nicotine sulphate.