[Observations on the vitality of lice from dead pigeons]

Experiments were carried out in July, September, October 1993 and January 1994 on 48 dead pigeons kept in cold storage (refrigerating machine) and at a window. The behaviour of Mallophaga was observed. The insects left the feather after the cooling of the bird body, usually after 24 hours. The process lasted 3 days in cold storage conditions, while in outdoor (open-air) environment the Mallophaga were still alive for another 14 days. The vitality of Mallophaga is bigger in open-air, in moderately higher temperature and in warmer seasons of the year. The examined representants of three species dominating in infestation demonstrated varying suitability for survival in harder conditions. The reaction of Hohorstiella gigantea lata (PIAG.) to the drop of temperature was the fastest, while Columbicola columbae columbae (L.) reacted more slowly and the reaction of the Campanulotes bidentatus compar (BURM.) was the slowest. Also the reaction of larvae to falling temperatures was faster that that of the adult forms.