Haematophagous behaviour of Menacanthus eurysternus (Mallophaga, Amblycera).

Haematophagous nature of some mallophagan species is of great concern to the scientists working in the field. Such species cause harm to the host directly by reducing vitality and productivity and indirectly by acting as reservoir and transmitter of pathogenic strains of infectious diseases. Menacanthus eurysternus infesting common myna Acridotheres tristis feeds exclusively on host blood obtained by piercing the quill of pin feathers and by gnawing through the epidermis. As much as 88.56% adults, 73.91% third instar nymphs, 66.66% second instar nymphs and 83.21% first instar nymphs were found feeding on the host blood, when examined microscopically. This mallophagan species does not harbour any triturating agent and is not involved in cannibalism or predation.