Thermo-orientation and the movement of feather-feeding lice on hosts.

摘要: Abstract: Temperature variation on the host is known to influence ectoparasite distributions. Ectoparasites may also use temperature gradients between regions when moving host; however, tests are rare. Feather-feeding wing lice (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) spend majority of their time flight feathers avian hosts where they insert bodies feather barbs escape preening. However, because feed downy abdominal feathers, must repeatedly migrate and body hosts. We performed a series experiments that tested thermo-orientation in evaluated its potential during louse migrations regions. found can rapidly accurately locate nearby heat targets approximate temperatures (37 C), demonstrating capacity for directed thermo-orientation. next preference along migration routes bird ...