Ricinus

L., 1753

Castor Beans

Ricinus is a of chewing lice in the Ricinidae. These ectoparasitic insects live on birds; this guide is unrelated to the castor-bean plant genus Ricinus.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ricinus: //ˈrɪsɪnʊs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Ricinidae are small, wingless chewing lice identified with microscopic characters of the , , , and association. -level identification requires a key.

Habitat

The lives on the plumage of its avian , where individuals remain among feathers and skin debris.

Distribution

Ricinus has been recorded from bird in tropical and subtropical regions; reliable range is best assessed by and host.

Diet

Chewing lice feed on feather material, skin , and surface debris rather than plant tissue or blood.

Behavior

Individuals crawl through feathers and remain closely associated with their ; transmission commonly occurs through host contact.

Ecological Role

Ricinus participates in -associated and provides a useful system for studying -host relationships.

Human Relevance

These are -specific wildlife and are not the same organism as the toxic castor-bean plant.