A Redescription of Felicola (Paradoxuroecus) bengalensis (Werneck, 1948) (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae) from a common palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) in Thailand

Abstract

The chewing louse species, Felicola (Paradoxuroecus) bengalensis (Werneck, 1948) (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae) has been previously described based on the morphology of the head, abdomen, genitalia and the shape and the presence of abdominal tergites. However, such studies lack detailed biometrical data. In this study, chewing lice from a common palm civet, Paradoxurus hermaphroditus Pallas, 1777 (Carnivora: Viverridae), captured from the reserved forest in Western Thailand, is redescribed and illustrated using three male and three female specimens. Detailed morphological data were gathered on these louse species, which strongly supplements previous descriptions and can also be used for monitoring the health status of the common palm civet population.