Multivariate study of lice (Insecta: Psocodea: Phthiraptera) assemblages hosted by hummingbirds (Aves: Trochilidae)

Area of Science:

• Ornithology
• Parasitology
• Ecology

Background:

• Hummingbirds host various louse species, with their ecological interactions and infestation patterns requiring further investigation.
• Understanding host-parasite dynamics is crucial for assessing potential impacts on avian populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze ecological factors influencing louse infestation in hummingbirds.
• To identify correlations between host traits, geographic variables, and louse prevalence and abundance.

Main Methods:

• Collected lice from 579 hummingbirds across 49 species in five South American countries.
• Employed principal component analysis and principal coordinates analysis to evaluate host and louse data.
• Assessed host variables (body mass, migration, behavior) and environmental factors (elevation, temperature, precipitation).

Main Results:

• Lice were found on 13.8% of birds (22 species), with 267 individuals from four genera identified.
• Positive correlation between migratory behavior and higher louse prevalence/abundance observed.
• Weak negative correlation between host body mass and infestation; positive correlation between mean elevation and prevalence/abundance of *Trochiliphagus*.

Conclusions:

• Hummingbird migratory behavior and elevation are significant factors in louse infestation.
• Ecological differences between *Trochiliphagus* and *Trochiloecetes* lice were elucidated.
• Findings enhance understanding of hummingbird-louse associations and their ecological implications.