First record of Microlynchia pusilla(Diptera: Hippoboscidae) in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

The present paper reports the occurrence of Microlynchia pusilla in the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN) onLeptotila verreauxi approximans from a deciduous forest fragment located in the municipality of Macaíba. A specimen of L. v. approximans was collected in June 2012, wrapped in paper towels and kept under refrigeration in a plastic bag for later analysis of parasite fauna, taxidermy, and eventual storage in the Ornithological Collection of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN). During the search for ectoparasites, a specimen of M. pusilla was found among feathers of the ventral region; it was collected and stored in the Entomological Collection ‘Adalberto Antônio Varela-Freire’ of the same university. This report extends the knowledge about geographical distribution and confirms the association of M. pusilla with hosts Columbiformes, contributing to the knowledge of the family Hippoboscidae in the country.

Keywords

• Ectoparasites
• Rio Grande do Norte
• louse flies
• Leptotila verreauxi approximans