Morphometric study of the sternal plate Gliricola quadrisetosa Ewing 1924, recovered in Galea spixii Wagler, 1831

Abstract

The morphometric study allows the observation of variations in the size of structures considered important for identification of ectoparasites that affect wildlife. In this vein, this study aimed to define in some areas of the sternal plate and perform Phthiraptera Gliricola quadrisetosa morphometry to complement the description of this structure considered important for taxonomy of this lice. We used 30 female specimens of G. quadrisetosa retrieved Galea spixii. The lice were cleared and mounted between slide and coverslip for observation of the sternal plate by light microscopy. Data were presented as a simple average and standard deviation. The areas demarcated for morphometry corresponded to: that part of the hollow portion to the base, and upper and median length from the 2º pair of legs to the base. These had respectively as 18,3+3,5; 8,7+0,9; 1,4+0,1 e 12,8+3,3μm. Morphometry performed contributed to the standardization of the taxonomy of Gliricola quadrisetosa sternal plate.