THE IDENTITY OF NIRMUS-OBTUSUS AND OTHER QUADRACEPS SPECIES (PHTHIRAPTERA, PHILOPTERIDAE) FROM CLIPPERTON-ISLAND AND THE GALAPAGOS-ISLANDS

The identity of Nirmus obtusus Kellogg and Kuwana, 1902 is clarified b ased on the examination of its holotype, relevant literature and other lice samples from several species of charadriiform birds. The host-lo use association between N. obtusus and its type host (Sterna fuscata c rissalis (Lawrence, 1872)) is discussed and deduced to be erroneous. T he birds Tringa incana (Gmelin, 1789) and Tringa tetanus (Linnaeus, 17 58) are regarded as regular hosts for N. obtusus, and evidence is pres ented supporting the opinion that T. incana was the original natural h ost for the holotype of N. obtusus. The present status of this louse s pecies is Quadraceps obtusus (Kellogg and Kuwana, 1902); Degeeriella c onformis Blagoveshtchensky, 1940 is regarded as a junior synonym (new synonymy).Specimens of five other species of Quadraceps included in Ke llogg and Kuwana's material are compared with e. obtusus and discussed in relation to their hosts and locality records.