Range expansion and reproduction of the ectoparasitic deer ked (Lipoptena cervi) in its novel host, the Arctic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus), in Finland

Abstract

The deer ked (Lipoptena cervi) is a harmful ectoparasite that emerged in the reindeer herding area of Finland in 2006. To understand the current range and the intensity of infestations on its novel reindeer host, we studied deer ked pupae collected from reindeer and moose bedding sites and conducted a questionnaire survey among the managers of 18 reindeer herding cooperatives in the southern part of the reindeer herding area. Our study confirmed that the deer ked can survive and successfully reproduce on reindeer through winter and that flying deer keds had been observed in reindeer wintering areas during several autumns in twelve cooperatives. The pupae originating from reindeer were smaller and showed lower hatching rates than the pupae from moose. The present results indicate that the range of the deer ked infestations on reindeer in Finland expanded during the recent 5 years, now reaching 14 cooperatives and bordering an area south of approximately 66°N 25°E in the west and 65°N 29°E east.

Hippobosca equina L. (Hippoboscidae: Hippobosca)—An Old Enemy as an Emerging Threat in the Palearctic Zone

“…The predicted increase in the abundance of H. equina , as well as the range expansion, probably depends on an increase in host density. Such a relationship was observed in the case of L. cervi in Finland [ 83 , 84 ]. In the context of these phenomena in H. equina , climate change may affect the growth of wild host populations.…”

“…Moreover, numerous adaptations to unfavorable environmental conditions can be observed in Hippoboscidae during the non-parasitic phase of the life cycle [ 88 , 89 , 90 ]. Predictions for an increase in ambient temperature will probably contribute to the territorial expansion of ectothermic species belonging to Hippoboscidae [ 84 ].…”

Reindeer Husbandry and Global Environmental Change

“…The deer ked (Lipoptena cervi) is a blood-sucking ectoparasite that is mainly associated with moose (Alces alces) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in Fennoscandia (Välimäki et al 2010). It has, however, expanded its range northwards during the last five years and is now affecting the reindeer herding area in Finland (Kynkäänniemi et al 2020). The adults feed on the host's blood and reproduce in its fur, potentially causing hair breakage and heat loss ).…”