ABSTRACT

This study was performed to detect acar species and their prevalence on Pseudolynchia canariensis.

The pigeons were treated with a carbamate group insectiside in a carton box, kept there for 15-20 minutes and the ectoparasites which fell off the birds onto the bottom of the box collected in a petri dishes. The P. canariensis specimens were examined macroscopically and microscopically for lice and acari. The acar samples were mounted on the slides in Canada balsam after being transparented and identified as to species.

A total of 42 P. canariensis specimens were collected from the pigeon. 15 (35.71%) were found to be infested with the acari, while no louse specimen was detected. Forty-six acari specimens were collected from the P. canariensis and they were identified as Ornithocheyletia hallae Smiley, 1970.

It was detected that approximately one third of P. canariensis were infested with Ornithocheyletia hallae, and this acar species was recorded for the first time in Turkey in this study.

Keywords: Columba livia, Pseudolynchia canariensis, acar, Ornithocheyletia hallae, Konya