What do lice look like on pigs? - briefly
Pig lice are small, wingless insects about 2–4 mm long, with a flattened, oval body and a light brown to gray coloration, clinging to hair shafts and skin. They are most noticeable as tiny moving specks near the ears, neck, and tail region.
What do lice look like on pigs? - in detail
Lice that infest swine belong primarily to the species Haematopinus suis, a large, blood‑sucking ectoparasite. Adults measure 4–5 mm in length, comparable to a grain of rice. The body is dorsoventrally flattened, facilitating movement through the host’s coarse hair. The dorsal surface displays a uniform dark brown to black coloration, occasionally appearing slightly glossy. Ventral segments are lighter, often pale yellowish, due to the thin cuticle revealing underlying tissues.
The insect’s head is small, equipped with robust mandibles for piercing skin. Antennae consist of five short segments, concealed beneath the head capsule. Six legs arise from the thorax; each leg ends in a strong claw that grips individual hair shafts. The claws are curved, allowing the louse to cling tightly while the host moves.
Abdomen consists of nine visible segments, each bearing minute setae that give a slightly fuzzy appearance. The posterior end bears a pair of anal plates and a short, pointed terminal filament, typical of sucking lice.
Nymphal stages resemble adults but are smaller (approximately 1.5–3 mm) and lighter in color, ranging from pale brown to yellow. Each nymph undergoes three molts before reaching maturity, acquiring the darker pigmentation and larger size of the adult form.
Typical infestation sites include the neck, ears, and ventral abdomen, where hair density is greatest. Lice cluster in groups, forming visible tufts of dark insects moving slowly across the skin surface. Under close inspection, the insects appear immobile for extended periods, only moving when the host is disturbed.
Key visual identifiers:
- Size: 4–5 mm (adult), 1.5–3 mm (nymph)
- Color: dark brown to black (adult), pale brown to yellow (nymph)
- Body shape: flattened, segmented, six‑legged with hooked claws
- Location: hair‑rich regions such as neck, ears, ventral area
- Grouping: clusters forming visible dark patches on the skin
These characteristics enable reliable identification of pig lice during veterinary examination.