Diversity of Chewing Lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera) in the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot

Abstract

The diversity of birds is well documented globally. However, the same attention has generally not been given to their parasites, which comprise many times their diversity. Here, we present data from a large-scale survey of chewing lice found infesting birds in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot of western Yunnan, China. A combination of morphological and phylogenies based on COI barcodes was used to assess the amount of cryptic speciation, host generalists, and variation in host associations. We examined 908 birds, representing 111 species. Overall louse prevalence was 26.3%, and 67 louse species were identified, representing 24 genera, of which 17 species have been previously described. Additionally, 41 new louse/host associations were recorded. Interestingly, Guimaraesiella impiger a well-known host generalist found throughout Southeast Asia was only present on three host individuals despite many of its hosts being examined. Also, Resartor elugeus previously reported from Alcippe fratercula yunnanensis in Yunnan was absent in our sampling despites examining 126 A. f. yunnanensis. However, R. elugeus was found infesting multiple Stachyris nigriceps in our survey. This shift in host association may be due to our sampling sites being at different elevations, but more data needs to be collected before this conclusion can be made. However, we can conclude that this is only a drop in the bucket when it comes the louse diversity of Yunnan. Additionally, the unique mountainous landscape of Yunnan coupled with the bird diversity present has created an environment for the potential of many host switching opportunities.