Forficuloecus banksi Price, Johnson

Price, Roger D., Johnson, Kevin P. & Palma, Ricardo L., 2008, A review of the genus Forficuloecus Conci (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae) from parrots (Psittaciformes: Psittacidae), with descriptions of four new species, Zootaxa 1859, pp. 49-62 : 54

Forficuloecus banksi Price, Johnson , and Palma, new species

( Figs. 9–13)

Type host. Psephotus varius Clark, 1910 , the Mulga Parrot.

Male. Dorsal abdomen as in Fig. 13. Tergal setae: II–VII, 5–8; VIII, 3–6. Tergite IX with well developed lateral plates, distinct median gap between them ( Fig. 13). Sternal setae: II, 2; III, 3–6; IV–V, 4–8; VI, 6; VII, 4. Genitalia ( Fig. 12) with long slender curved parameres and elongate "V"-shaped penis.

Female. Head as in Fig. 11, dorsal abdomen as in Fig. 9. Tergal setae: II, 7–8; III, 5–8; IV, 8–9; V–VII, 6– 8; VIII, 4–6. Sternal setae: II, 2–4; III, 4–7; IV–V, 5–8; VI, 5–6; VII, 4. Ventral terminalia as in Fig. 10.

Type material. Holotype male ( ANIC), ex P. v a r i u s, AUSTRALIA: Northwest Territory, 2 May 2002, T. Chesser, ANWC 32856. Paratypes ( INHS, UU): 4 males, 5 females, same data as holotype; 2 males, 1 female, same except ANWC 32871; 1 female, same except with only ANWC 32737.

Remarks. The dimensions of the male of F. banksi place it closest to that of F. f o r f i c u l a (Piaget). However, the shape of the genitalic parameres and penis along with the smaller number of abdominal tergal setae afford separation. The female of F. banksi also appears similar to F. forficula , but the differences in dimensions and the number of tergal setae support separation.

Etymology. This species is named for Jonathan Banks, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand, in recognition of his work on louse systematics.