The Louse Flies Ornithophila metallica (Schiner, 1864) and O. gestroi (Rondani, 1878) (Diptera, Hippoboscidae): Distribution and Association with Birds in the Palaearctic

Resumo

New data are given on distribution and bird host associations of two species of the louse fly genus Ornithophila Rondani, 1878 in Eastern Europe and North Asia. Ornithophila metallica (Schiner, 1864) is recorded for the first time for Tajikistan and China. It is confirmed that this species mostly parasitizes adults and nestlings of small passerines. Ornithophila gestroi (Rondani, 1878) is recorded for the first time for Armenia (Yerevan) and Mongolia, and the lesser kestrel Falco naumanni is recorded for the first time as its host.