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Lice
Phthiraptera
Nomenclature
-
Phylum: ArthropodaClass: Insecta
Order:
Phthiraptera
Usage:
valid
Vernacular names:
Vernacular name:
Lice
Language:
English
Common Name:
Lice
Media
SUMMARY
Wingless, permanent obligate ectoparasites of mammals and birds. Highly host specific. Body dorso-ventrally flattened, adults 0.35 – 11 mm long. Eyes variable, antennae 3-5 segmented, mouthparts mandibulate or highly modified for sucking and/or piercing. Pronotum usually free. Meso- and metanotum complete or partially fused. Legs usually short/stout bearing single or paired pretarsal claws. Abdomen comprising 8-11 visible segments variably sclerotized, cerci absent. Colouration usually cryptic matching host pelage or plumage. Three nymphal instars.
Ecological Interactions
Species A | Interaction | Species B | Link |
---|---|---|---|
Typhlomyophthirus bifoliatus | ectoparasite of | Typhlomys cinereus | view |
Prolinognathus aethiopicus | ectoparasite of | Procavia capensis | view |
Prolinognathus arcuatus | ectoparasite of | Procavia capensis | view |
Prolinognathus faini | ectoparasite of | Dendrohyrax arboreus | view |
Prolinognathus ferrisi | ectoparasite of | Heterohyrax brucei | view |
Prolinognathus schulzi | ectoparasite of | Procavia capensis | view |
Pecaroecus javalii | ectoparasite of | Pecari tajacu | view |
Schizophthirus jaczewskii | ectoparasite of | Dryomys nitedula | view |