How do moose lice live? - briefly
Moose lice are permanent ectoparasites that reside in the hair and skin folds of their hosts, feeding on skin secretions and debris while completing their life cycle entirely on the animal. They reproduce by laying eggs (nits) attached to the hair, with nymphs maturing through successive molts without leaving the moose.
How do moose lice live? - in detail
Moose lice (genus Echinophthirius) are permanent ectoparasites that inhabit the dense winter coat of Alces alces. Adult females measure 3–5 mm, males slightly smaller, and both sexes possess robust claws adapted for gripping hair shafts. The insects spend their entire life cycle on the host; they do not detach to pupate or overwinter in the environment.
Reproduction begins in early spring when females lay 2–4 eggs on the hair surface near the neck or flanks. Eggs hatch within 5–7 days, releasing nymphs that undergo three successive molts. Each molt lasts 4–6 days, after which the nymph reaches adult size. The complete development from egg to mature adult requires approximately 3 weeks under typical boreal temperatures.
Feeding involves piercing the epidermis of the moose’s skin and ingesting blood plasma. Salivary enzymes prevent clotting, allowing continuous extraction of nutrients. A single adult consumes up to 0.1 µL of blood per day, a negligible amount for the host but sufficient to sustain the lice population.
Population density peaks during the cold season when the moose’s fur is thickest, providing shelter and stable humidity. In summer, lice migrate toward the neck and shoulder regions where the coat remains denser. Mortality rises when the host sheds its winter coat; however, surviving individuals recolonize new hair growth promptly.
Geographic distribution mirrors that of the host, spanning northern North America, Scandinavia, and Siberia. Genetic analyses reveal limited host‑specific lineages, indicating co‑evolution with regional moose subspecies.
Impact on the host includes localized inflammation, hair loss, and occasional secondary bacterial infections. Heavy infestations can impair thermoregulation, especially in juveniles, but typical loads remain below pathological thresholds.
Control measures rely on maintaining herd health, reducing stress, and, in captive settings, applying topical insecticides formulated for wildlife. Chemical treatments are applied directly to the animal’s coat, targeting all life stages because the lice never leave the host.