Endosymbiont-host

Guides

• Pseudolynchia

  pigeon louse flies

  Pseudolynchia is a genus of blood-feeding louse flies (Hippoboscidae) comprising five described species. All species are obligate ectoparasites of birds. The genus is best known for P. canariensis, commonly called the pigeon louse fly, which has been extensively studied as a vector of avian malaria parasites. Members exhibit the family-characteristic pupiparous reproduction, in which females retain and nourish larvae internally until depositing a fully formed prepupa.

  Hippoboscidaepupiparousavian-parasiteblood-feedingdisease-vectorectoparasitepigeon-parasiteHaemoproteus-vectorendosymbiont-host

• Pseudolynchia canariensis

  pigeon louse fly, pigeon fly

  Pseudolynchia canariensis is an obligate ectoparasitic louse fly in the family Hippoboscidae that specializes on pigeons and doves (Columbidae). It is a significant vector of Haemoproteus columbae, the causative agent of pigeon malaria, serving as the definitive host where sexual reproduction of the parasite occurs. The species exhibits adenotrophic viviparity, producing one prepupa at a time that is deposited in the host's nest or roosting site. Both sexes feed exclusively on blood. The fly has been documented in numerous regions worldwide, particularly where domestic pigeons are kept, and shows limited ability to survive on human blood.

  ectoparasitevectorHippoboscidaeadenotrophic-viviparitypigeon-malariaColumbidaeHaemoproteusobligate-parasitephoretic-associationendosymbiont-host