Patrones de parasitismo por moscas del genero Philornis (Diptera: Muscidae) en aves husped en la costa de Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract: Most species in the genus Philornis are parasites of birds' nests. This study focuses on analyzing some elements that facilitate parasitism on various species of birds in Ecuador. From a sample obtained over two years (2019-2020) in five localities on the country's coast, 693 bird nests were analyzed. Of these, 13% were parasitized. Two species already reported (Philornis downsi, P. niger) and two morphotypes not registered in the country were registered, preliminarily classified as Philornis bellus and P. falsificus. The species with the highest proportion was P. downsi, in terms of nest prevalence and intensity. Each species showed affinity for one or more families of birds and, it was evidenced that the shape of the nest facilitates prevalence. The prevalence of Philornis decreases in higher places in dry forests. Nests from disturbed sites have a higher prevalence of parasites than nests with natural forest (P = 0.002). This study strengthens the knowledge about factors that influence parasitism on the birds of Ecuador.