Avian Leucocytozoidae: the leucocytozoids of the Phasianidae<i>sensu lato</i>

Abstract

The species of Leucocytozoon recorded from four of the five subfamilies of the Phasianidae are reviewed, using a series of measurements and derived ratios not previously used for descriptions of members of this genus. Thirteen species of Leucocytozoon are recorded from the Phasianinae; L. caulleryi is considered to be a member of the genus Akiba and is not further considered while L. galli is considered to be a species incertae sedis; of the remaining 11 species, L. peaolopesi is considered to be valid, L. andrewsi to be a synonym of L. schoutedeni and six species, viz. L. francolini, L. kerandeli, L. martini, L. mesnili, L. sabrazesi and L. schuffneri, are all considered synonyms of Leucocytozoon macleani. Among the guinea fowls (Numidinae), Leucocytozoon costai and L. numidae are considered to be synonyms of L. neavei while Leucocytozoon bonasae, L. jakamowi and L. mansoni are all considered to be synonyms of L. lovati of the grouse (Tetraoninae). Leucocytozoon smithi is the only leucocytozoid reported from the Meleagrinae (turkeys).