Ectoparasites from nests and burrows of swallow (Hirundinidae) in Lithuania

The knowledge of ectoparasites fauna in nests and burrows of swallow in Lithuania is not clear. Various ectoparasites occurring in nests and burrows of swallow can influence condition and development of swallows. At the same time, huge infestation of ectoparasites can do lower the reproductive success of their hosts, even can cause birds mortality. A biodiversity of ectoparasites was performed from burrows of the Sand martin (Riparia riparia) and nests of the Barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) in Lithuania. During 2013 – 2014 vacated nests and burrows of Swallow were collected from two districts in Lithuania. A total 42 nests of swallows were examined. We collected 472 ticks (Ixodida), 530 fleas (Siphonaptera), 2 bugs (Cimicidae), 8 lice (Mallophaga) and 31 mites (Gamasida) from nests and burrows of swallows. Using microscopic and morphometric analysis were identified 5 fleas species (Ceratophyllus styx, C. pullatus, C. farreni, C. rusticus, C. hirundinis) and 1 tick species (Ixodes lividus). Biodiversity of ectoparasites in nests of Barn swallow was higher then in burrows of Sand martin. A total 76.9 proc. of Barn swallows nest was infected by ectoparasites. Infestation rate of ectoparasites in Sand martin burrows was 40 proc. This is a first concerning our survey of ectoparasites of swallow in LithuaniaBiologijos katedraGamtos mokslų fakultetasKlaipėdos universitetasVytauto Didžiojo universiteta