Reighardia sternae (Diesing, 1864) (Pentastomida) from seabirds in Antarctica

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Author: Hoberg, Eric P.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1987
• Subjects: Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Antarctic; The Antarctic; Antarctic Peninsula; Saunders; Antarc*; Antarctica; Catharacta maccormicki
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z87-203; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z87-203

Specimens of the pentastome Reighardia sternae (Diesing, 1864) are reported for the first time in avian hosts from Antarctica. Mature female specimens were found in a southern black-backed gull (Larus dominicanus Lichtenstein) (1 of 21 examined) while an immature female was found in a south polar skua (Catharacta maccormicki (Saunders)) (1 of 20). Species of Reighardia have not previously been reported among any of the Stercorariinae. The degree of development of individuals of R. sternae provided evidence that the life cycle of this pentastome could be completed on the breeding grounds of its hosts in the region of the Antarctic Peninsula.