The genome sequence of the spotted cranefly, Nephrotoma appendiculata (Pierre, 1919).

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Nephrotoma appendiculata (the spotted cranefly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Tipulidae). The genome sequence is 1,138.0 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 4 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.42 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 17,753 protein coding genes.

Ornithomya biloba, Pseudolynchia garzettae and Pseudolynchia canariensis (Diptera: Hippoboscidae): three new United Kingdom colonists and potential disease vectors.

In the northern hemisphere, many species' ranges are shifting northwards with climate change. Here I present evidence, from the first large-scale citizen science study of the Hippoboscidae in the United Kingdom, for the colonisation of the United Kingdom by three species of Diptera in the family Hippoboscidae, which are obligate ectoparasites of birds. The Swallow Louse Fly, Ornithomya biloba; the Nightjar Louse Fly, Pseudolynchia garzettae and the Pigeon Louse Fly, Pseudolynchia canariensis were previously considered to be vagrants from more southerly latitudes but the presence of a pair taken possibly in the act of copulation, gravid females and the increase in numbers of the various species provides good evidence of local breeding activity. I discuss the potential for further northwards range shift and whether the presence of three new species of parasite may have implications for the spread of avian disease within the region. I also include a concise key to the genus Pseudolynchia and images of P. canariensis, P. garzettae and O. biloba to aid further identification of these species in the region.

The genome sequence of the Swift Louse Fly Crataerina pallida (Latreille, 1812).

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Crataerina pallida (the Swift Louse Fly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Hippoboscidae). The genome sequence is 177.0 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 6 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 21.57 kilobases in length.

Epidemiology of protozoan and helminthic parasites in wild passerine birds of Britain and Ireland.

Avian endoparasites play important roles in conservation, biodiversity and host evolution. Currently, little is known about the epidemiology of intestinal helminths and protozoans infecting wild birds of Britain and Ireland. This study aimed to determine the rates of parasite prevalence, abundance and infection intensity in wild passerines. Fecal samples (n = 755) from 18 bird families were collected from 13 sites across England, Wales and Ireland from March 2020 to June 2021. A conventional sodium nitrate flotation method allowed morphological identification and abundance estimation of eggs/oocysts. Associations with host family and age were examined alongside spatiotemporal and ecological factors using Bayesian phylogenetically controlled models. Parasites were detected in 20.0% of samples, with corvids and finches having the highest prevalences and intensities, respectively. Syngamus (33%) and Isospora (32%) were the most prevalent genera observed. Parasite prevalence and abundance differed amongst avian families and seasons, while infection intensity varied between families and regions. Prevalence was affected by diet diversity, while abundance differed by host age and habitat diversity. Infection intensity was higher in birds using a wider range of habitats, and doubled in areas with feeders present. The elucidation of these patterns will increase the understanding of parasite fauna in British and Irish birds.

The genome sequence of the Common White Wave, Cabera pusaria (Linnaeus, 1758).

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Cabera pusaria (the Common White Wave; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Geometridae). The genome sequence is 794.3 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.64 kilobases in length.