Life-stage and sex influence Philornis ectoparasitism in a Neotropical woodpecker Melanerpes striatus with essential male parental care

Abstract

The nestlings of many Neotropical bird species suffer from Philornis (Diptera: Muscidae) ectoparasitism. Although nestlings are typically considered the intended targets, recent work indicates that Philornis infest adult birds more frequently than previously appreciated, yet few studies have concurrently surveyed nestlings and adults for Philornis in the same population. Over six field seasons (2012–17), I documented the presence of current or recent subcutaneous Philornis infestations on adult and nestling Hispaniolan Woodpeckers Melanerpes striatus from the same population in the central Dominican Republic.