13. Morpho-taxonomy of new host and locality record of Menacanthus abdominalis (Piaget 1880) (Phthiraptera: Amblycera) from Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan
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Abstract
The chewing lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera) are the common ectoparasites of various types of avian fauna of family Phasianidae (Galliformes) and are widen on game birds. These parasitic insects are found on both domestic and wild birds. One of a species of chewing lice Menacanthus abdominalis (Piaget 1880) is common in all small sized fowls of Phasianidae family of galliform birds (Phthiraptera: Amblycera). The species is less occurring and found on quails, batairs and francolins. The speciesis first time reported from Guinea fowl Numida meleagris (Linnaeus 1758) fromthe present study area. The louse is making a new host and new locality record all over the world of being found and infesting Guinea fowl Numida meleagris (Linnaeus 1758). It was not less active louse moving fast. Most of the time was attached with furry and velvety feathers of host and cause angriness, fuming and heated behavior when the numbers of louse was increased. Only 08 female specimens were recovered from the host body for the first time from the study area. A morpho-taxonomy was studied in detail with special reference to head, mouthparts, thorax, abdomen, chaetotaxy of female genitalia from Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. The chewing lice of gallinaceous birds have severe pathological effects on their health deterioration. They cause acute and chronic diseases in different parts of the body. The common symptoms in birds are loss of weight, anxiety, annoyance, dwindling, vigilance, disruption in nurturing and upbringing habits, shortage in eggs and meat production, decrease formation of RBCS and WBCS and skin abrasions are common. These captivating groups of ectoparasites have rich veterinary importance their taxonomical work which is reasonably priced in Pakistan as well as all over the world.
Keywords: Amblycera; Insecta; Menacanthus abdominalis; Morpho-taxonomy; Phthiraptera; Hyderabad