Effect of ectoparasitism by larvae of the blow fly Protocalliphora parorum (Diptera: Calliphoridae) on nestling House Wrens, Troglodytes aedon

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Abstract
We investigated the effect of ectoparasitism by hematophagous larvae of the blow fly Protocalliphora parorum on nestling House Wrens (Troglodytes aedon) over 2 years in north-central Wyoming, U.S.A. Approximately 85% of wren nests contained P. parorum larvae. Mean parasite load was approximately 10 larvae per nestling. Nestling tarsus length, primary feather length, and hematocrit measured just before fledging did not differ significantly with parasite load. However, parasitized birds weighed approximately 8% more than unparasitized birds just prior to fledging. Parasites possibly delay the recession in weight that normally occurs as tissues mature late in the nestling stage. Delayed development may result in increased nestling or fledgling mortality.

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