Spatial distribution of chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae, Philopteridae) infesting Canada geese and mallards (Aves: Anatidae), in Manitoba, Canada

Abstract

Abstract Canada geese, Branta canadensis (Linnaeus) (Anseriformes: Anatidae), and mallards, Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus (Anseriformes: Anatidae), are infested by several species of chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae, Philopteridae). We examined the spatial distribution of lice upon these hosts. Hosts were dissected into five body regions: head and neck, wings, back, underside, and tail. Canada geese (n = 20) were infested with six species of lice. Anaticola anseris (Linnaeus) (n = 423) and Anatoecus spp. (n = 510) were restricted to the wings and head, respectively, whereas Ornithobius goniopleurus Denny (n = 1919) and Ciconiphilus pectiniventris (Harrison) (n = 757) were spread over multiple body regions. Trinoton anserinum (Fabricius) (n = 2) was present in insufficient numbers to reach conclusions about its distribution. Mallards (n = 8) were infested with four species of lice. Anaticola crassicornis (Scopoli) (n = 121) and Anatoecus dentatus (Scopoli) (n = 244) were restricted to the wings and head, respectively. Holomenopon maxbeieri Eichler (n = 52) infested multiple body regions, and Trinoton querquedulae (Linnaeus) (n = 27) were found mainly on the wings. Chewing lice infesting mallards and Canada geese partition their hosts in accordance with their own morphological and ecological requirements.