ECTOPARASITE TRANSFER DURING MATING IN RING-NECKED PHEASANTS PHASIANUS-COLCHICUS

There are three models of parasite-mediated sexual selection by female choice. Females may get (1) indirect, genetic gains; (2) direct, pare ntal care gains and (3) direct contagion avoidance gains. Little is kn own about frequency and mechanisms of parasite transfer during mating. In an experiment, 20 male pheasants had lice removed. One week later sticky tape was placed on their legs and they were then allowed to mat e with Mallophaga-infested females. A significant number of males were infested with lice within two seconds. These results support the cont agion avoidance hypothesis, while not discounting other models.