A TENTATIVE LIST OF MALLOPHAGA FOR NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS (NORTH OF MEXICO)

• Main Author: EMERSON,K.C
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Subjects: BIOLOGY; BIRDS; CLASSIFICATION; DISTRIBUTION; INDEXES; LICE; PARASITES

A ready reference to the known species of Mallophaga (Chewing Lice) found on birds of North America (North of Mexico) is presented. Since Mallophaga are parasitic, distribution is entirely dependent upon the distribution of hosts, which in the case of many migratory birds is not limited to the New World. In other instances, certain New World birds are only subspecies of forms found elsewhere. Most records of North American Mallophaga published prior to 1945 were based on an outdated or inadequate classification, and without proper consideration for earlier European literature. In addition, there often was a tendency prior to that date to lump all forms that were congeneric, found on a particular group of birds, under one name. Remarkable progress in the taxonomy of Mallophaga has been accomplished in the last twenty-five years. More challenges in taxonomy remain today in Mallophaga, than probably in any other order of Insecta. Anyone contemplating a systematic study of the order is referred to Hopkins and Clay (1952) -- ''A check-list of the genera and species of Mallophaga'' and ''Additions.'' Their check-list is a good index to the known forms and the literature pertaining thereto. The classification contained therein, with few exceptions, is acceptable to all those actively studying the systematics of the order. (Author)