In vitro bionomics of an ischnoceran louse, Lipeurus caponis (Phthiraptera: insecta)

Poultry wing louse, Lipeurus caponis was reared in vitro condition (35 ± 1 °C, 75-82 % RH) to record the incubation period of the eggs, duration of nymphal instars, adult longevity and the egg rate. The data obtained through in vitro studies was utilized to construct the life table and to determine the intrinsic rate of natural increase. The value of rm of L. caponis appeared to 0.046. At this rate, the population of lice is supposed to double after 16.1 days, indicating it to be a moderate breeder.