What are lice called in animals? - briefly
Lice that parasitize non‑human species are termed animal lice. They are divided into chewing lice (Mallophaga), which consume skin, hair, or feathers, and sucking lice (Anoplura), which feed on blood.
What are lice called in animals? - in detail
Lice that infest non‑human animals belong to the insect order Phthiraptera, which is divided into two suborders. The chewing suborder, Mallophaga, contains species that feed on skin debris, feathers, or fur; the sucking suborder, Anoplura, contains blood‑feeding species that occur only on mammals.
In mammals, the term “lice” is applied to numerous species, each usually named after its primary host. Examples include Pediculus canis (dog louse), Felicola subrostratus (cat louse), Linognathus setosus (sheep louse), and Haematopinus suis (hog louse). These insects are obligate ectoparasites, exhibiting a flattened body, clawed legs for grasping hair or feathers, and a life cycle of egg (nit), nymph, and adult stages that occurs entirely on the host.
Birds host a distinct assemblage of Mallophaga, commonly referred to as “bird lice.” Representative species are Menacanthus stramineus (chick lice), Goniodes rubicola (pigeon louse), and Columbicola columbae (pigeon feather louse). These parasites specialize in chewing feathers, epidermal scales, or skin fragments. Their morphology includes reduced wings or complete wing loss, and their claws are adapted to the spacing of feather barbs.
Sucking lice (Anoplura) are confined to mammals and include species such as Haematopinus apri (pig sucking louse) and Haematopinus eurysternus (cattle sucking louse). They possess piercing mouthparts for blood extraction and exhibit a high degree of host specificity.
Key distinctions among animal lice:
- Feeding method: chewing (Mallophaga) versus blood‑sucking (Anoplura).
- Host range: Mallophaga infest birds and mammals; Anoplura infest only mammals.
- Morphology: chewing lice retain functional legs for moving among feathers or fur; sucking lice have specialized mouthparts and reduced locomotor structures.
Understanding the taxonomy and host associations of these ectoparasites facilitates accurate identification, treatment, and control in veterinary and wildlife management contexts.