Detection of Oeciacus hirundinis in nests of Delichon urbica L. in Lithuania

Swallows are common bird in Lithuania, lives in human environments. Nests mold in shelters, under house roof, balcony and house's wall junctions. Along with the birds settle and their parasites. Cimicidae are a family of blood-sucking ectoparasites. The swallow bug Oeciacus hirundinis L. primarily parasitizes swallows and martins (Hirundinidae). Every year when the birds return to the same nest, they increases the probability of survival of the parasite population and abundance. Ectoparasites actively proliferate, or on the host's death lack of food, are looking for new hosts. Nests in people's living environment is a threat because the parasites can enter the premises and parasiteze pets. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of parasitic bugs in swallow nests. Non - invasive testing method were selected for study, when the parasites collected from the nests after Swallows migration. In study time identidied 6363 Oeciacus hirundinis species parasitic bug - 2502 larvae, 1858 males and 2003 females. Most O. hirundinis widespread in Delichon urbica – 65.5%, and Hirundo rustica - 18.8%Biologijos katedraKlaipėdos universitetasVytauto Didžiojo universiteta