[...] another, apparently unique, aspect of the Browns' study system is the extreme intensities of ectoparasitism, especially by Swallow Bugs (Oeciacus vicarious), which may aggravate the consequences of blood sampling, so that researchers working on species with low-intensity ectoparasitism may have less to worry about. [...] that time, we are all well advised to consider alternative methods, use conservative sampling plans, and employ preemptive methods to alleviate stress associated with blood sampling.