How to translate text using browser tools
1 August 2023 Pheromone Communication in Feather-Feeding Wing Lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera)
Christopher W. Harbison, Melissa K. Breen, Charlotte E. C. Hutchins, Domenic P. Roberto
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Pheromone communication is central to the life history of insect parasites. Determining how pheromones affect parasite behavior can provide insights into host–parasite interactions and suggest novel avenues for parasite control. Lice infest thousands of bird and mammal species and feed on the host's feathers or blood. Despite the pervasiveness of lice in wild populations and the costs they exact on livestock and poultry industries, little is known about pheromone communication in this diverse group. Here, we test for pheromone communication in the wing lice (Columbicola columbae) of Rock Doves (Columba livia). Wing lice spend the majority of their lives on bird flight feathers where they hide from host preening by inserting their bodies between coarse feather barbs. To feed, wing lice must migrate to bird body regions where they consume the insulating barbs of contour feathers. We first show that wing lice readily form aggregations on flight feathers. Next, using a Y-tube olfactometer, we demonstrate that wing lice use pheromone communication to move toward groups of nearby conspecifics. This pheromone is likely an aggregation pheromone, as wing lice only produce the pheromone when placed on flight feathers. Finally, we found that when forced to choose between groups of male and female lice, male lice move toward male groups and females toward female groups, suggesting the use of multiple pheromones. Ongoing work aims to determine the chemical identity and function of these pheromones.

Christopher W. Harbison, Melissa K. Breen, Charlotte E. C. Hutchins, and Domenic P. Roberto "Pheromone Communication in Feather-Feeding Wing Lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera)," Journal of Parasitology 109(4), 333-339, (1 August 2023). https://doi.org/10.1645/23-29
Published: 1 August 2023
KEYWORDS
Aggregation behavior
chemical communication
Columbicola columbae
pheromone
rock dove
Wing lice
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top