Garrulax erythrocephalus (Vigors, 1832)

Paperna, Ilan, Keong, Malcolm Soh Chu & May, Charlotte Yap Aye, 2008, Haemosporozoan Parasites Found In Birds In Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sarawak And Java, Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 56 (2), pp. 211-243 : 221-222

Garrulax erythrocephalus

Locality. – Malaysia: Cameron Highlands , Dec.2002 .

Description. – A round type, the host cell nucleus encloses 73 ± 12% of the macrogametocyte perimeter and 81 ± 7% of the microgametocyte perimeter. The macrogametocyte nucleus is usually central and the karyosome is distinct, while the cytoplasm contains some vacuoles and dense granules. The microgametocyte cytoplasm contains a few vacuoles and a diffuse nuclear mass with a central large pink-staining granule ( Fig. 12 ).

Remarks. – Valkiunas [1997 (2005)] synonymized Leucocytozoon spp. from passeriform birds, enclosed by over half by the host-cell nucleus with Leu. majoris. In both Leu. majoris from the type host genus Parus as well as of host from other families included in Leu. majoris, notably Timaliidae (as the presently discussed), the host-cell nucleus covers over 75% of the gametocyte periphery (Bennett & Peirce, 1992). Since the coverage of the parasite by the host-cell nucleus is the cardinal character for specific differentiation, it remains to examine the validity of such an inclusive species, as proposed by Valkiunas, 1997 /2005 which infects a wide range of non-related hosts, of diverse geographical origin (see also remarks to Leucocytozoon sp. 3 ).

Figures

Fig. 12. Leucocytozoon sp. 5 from Garrulax leucolophus, Malaysia (from left: microgametocyte, two macrogametocytes and a microgamettcyte).