Columbiform-parasite
Guides
Microlynchia pusilla
lousefly of mourning doves
Microlynchia pusilla is a lousefly (Hippoboscidae) that is a permanent ectoparasite of birds, particularly columbiform hosts. The species exhibits adenotrophic viviparity, with larvae developing internally within the female and deposited as mature, ready-to-pupate larvae on or near the host. Adults are winged upon emergence but permanently shed their wings after locating a host bird, becoming obligate ectoparasites. The species has been recorded from multiple host families but shows particular association with Columbiformes, and has a broad distribution across the Americas from the United States through Brazil.