Parapsyllus species of fleas are found on
many penguins. The flea P. magellanicus
heardi breeds on Macquarie Island in
sheltered nests of the rockhopper penguin;
only the adult flea visits the bird to
breed. These fleas are seen easily on the
brood patches of affected penguins
(Murray and Vestgens 1967).
Fleas have not been found on Antarctic
penguin spedes since they spend parts
of their life cycles off the host and thus
need suitable nest environments with
shelter from the weather.
Biting lice have been found on all
subantarctic and Antarctic penguins
except the gentoo and chinstrap (Pygoscelis
antarctica), and live permanently on
the birds. Penguin lice are similar to other
bird lice, living and breeding on the bird.
They do not suck blood but rather eat
feathers or skin debris