New genus and species of lice in the Oxylipeurus-complex (Phthiraptera, Ischnocera, Philopteridae), with an overview of the distribution of ischnoceran chewing lice on galliform hosts

Abstract

Here, we describe a new genus of lice (Phthiraptera, Ischnocera) in the Oxylipeurus-complex, parasitising galliform hosts in the genera Tragopan Cuvier, 1829. This genus, Pelecolipeurusgen. nov., is separated from other members of the complex by the unique shape of the male subgenital plate and stylus, the male genitalia and other characters. The only previously-known species in the genus is Lipeurus longus Piaget, 1880, which is here tentatively re-described as Pelecolipeurus longus (Piaget, 1880), based on specimens from a non-type host, Tragopan temminckii (Gray, 1831). In addition, we describe a new species, Pelecolipeurus fujianensissp. nov., based on specimens from Tragopan caboti (Gould, 1857). An overview of the distribution patterns of ischnoceran lice on galliforms is presented, which suggests that host phylogeny, host biogeography and host biotope, as well as elevation of host range, may all be important factors that have structured louse communities on landfowl. We transfer the genus Afrilipeurus from the Oxylipeurus-complex to the Lipeurus-complex and include an emended key to the Oxylipeurus-complex.