Nymphal Stages of Abrocomophaga hellenthali (Phthiraptera, Gyropidae), a parasite of Octodon degus (Rodentia, Octodontidae)

Abstract

The three nymphal instars of Abrocomophaga hellenthali Price & Timm, 2000 are described and compared with both sexes of the adult stage. The most remarkable quali and quantitative body features of all instars are cathegorized and its progression along the development stated.

Chaetotaxy of three nymphal instars of an ischnoceran louse, Aegypoecus perspicuus (Phthiraptera: Insecta)

“…Survey of literature reveals that three nymphal instars of avian lice differ mainly in the dimension of body parts and number of setae (Clay, 1958;Modrejewska 1986 and1989;Page et al, 1995;Saxena et al, 1998;Smith, 2000;Cicchino andCastro, 2002 andSilke, 2006;Modrejewska and Zlotorzycka, 1987). In few species the nymphal instars can be identified by the modification of setae.…”

“…However, Clay (1958), Modrejewska and Zlotorzycka (1987) and Mey (1994) have made specific attempts to provide information on the nymphal chaetotaxy of few avian lice. Since then, few more phthirapterists Modrezweska, 1986, 1989;Page et al, 1995;Price and Hallenthal, 1996;Saxena et al, 1998 and2000;Smith, 2000;Cicchino andCastro, 2002 andSlike et al, 2006) have provided further information on the nymphal chaetotaxy. Present paper provides supplements regarding the chaetotaxy of three nymphal instars of Aegypoecus perspicuus, occurring on Neophron percnopterus.…”

Diagnostic features of three nymphal instars of Sturnidoecus bannoo (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) infesting Bank Myna Acridotheres ginginianus

“…Three nymphal instars of phthirapteran species differ in length of body (dimension of body parts) (Clay, 1958;Modrejewska 1986 and1989;Page et al, 1995;Saxena et al, 1998;Smith, 2000;Cicchino and Castro 2002;Silke, 2006 andModrejewska andZlotorzycka, 1987). Nymphs of certain specialized groups can be characterized by the modifications of setae (gradual modification in adults).…”

“…Price and Hellenthal (1996) have highlighted the importance of nymphal morphology to elucidate the louse relationship. Workers like Lonc and Modrejewska (1986, 89), Page et al (1995), Saxena et al (1998), Smith (2000), Cicchino and Castro (2002) and Silke (2006) have also made contribution in this field. During the present investigations an attempt has been made to describe the diagnostic characters of the three nymphal instars of an ischnoceran louse, Sturnidoecus bannoo parasitizing, Indian bank Myna Acridotheres ginginianus.…”