Meeting Abstract
Lice are a well-known and diverse (>5000 species) group of ectoparasites that infest mammals and birds. However, their ability to communicate using pheromones has remained unstudied. Here, we explore the possibility of pheromone communication in a model system consisting of feather-feeding wing lice (Columbicola columbae) and their Rock Dove hosts(Columba livia). First, we determined that louse distributions on flight feathers were highly aggregated, suggesting the possibility of pheromone communication. Next, using a Y-tube olfactometer, we demonstrated that lice readily responded to volatile pheromones produced by nearby conspecifics, and likely used multiple sex-specific pheromones. SPME (solid phase microextraction) and GC-MS were then used to identify a number of candidate pheromones emitted by lice and by bird feathers. Finally, in vitro and in vivo bioassays showed that lice responded to a number of potential pheromones and host-generated volatile compounds.
