Unveiling the chewing lice (Menoponidae and Philopteridae) fauna of the Brazilian Northeast: new records for Maranhão and Piauí States

Author(s)

Bassini-Silva, Ricardo ; Barbosa, Beatriz Bacelar ; Pereira, Aryna Dias ; Ubaid, Flavio Kulaif ; Jacinavicius, Fernando de Castro

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: VETERINARY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS; v. 49, n. 2, p. 11-pg., 2025-04-01.

Abstract

Lice (Phthiraptera) are obligate ectoparasites of birds and mammals found worldwide. Chewing lice, belonging to the families Menoponidae and Philopteridae, are particularly diverse in Brazil, although their distribution is unevenly documented across states. This study focused on recent collections from protected areas in Maranh & atilde;o and Piau & iacute;, the sampling involved mist netting and comprehensive ectoparasite examination, with specimens identified using both light microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. A total of 239 birds were collected, 63 (26.35%) of which were infested with chewing lice. Seventeen distinct species were identified, including seven that had not been previously recorded in Brazil. Our findings contribute to the growing knowledge of chewing lice diversity in Brazil, with particular emphasis on the underrepresented states of Maranh & atilde;o and Piau & iacute;. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 24/01231-0 - Integrative taxonomy of neotropical chiggers (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae and Leeuwenhoekiidae), including monitoring of pathogens from the families Anaplasmataceae, Bartonellaceae, and Rickettsiaceae
• Grantee: Fernando de Castro Jacinavicius
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/11755-6 - Taxonomy and microbiome of mites that parasitize bats in Brazil: study of the presence of pathogens and symbiotic commensal communities in these ectoparasites
• Grantee: Ricardo Bassini Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 19/19853-0 - Chigger mites (Acari: Trombiculidae and Leeuwenhoekiidae) parasites of vertebrates: morphological studies and investigation of the presence of Rickettsia spp
• Grantee: Fernando de Castro Jacinavicius
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants