What do pig lice look like? - briefly
Pig lice are tiny, wingless insects about 1–2 mm long, with a flattened, oval body that is reddish‑brown in color. They possess six short legs ending in clawed tarsi for gripping hair and have short, segmented antennae.
What do pig lice look like? - in detail
Pig lice are small, wing‑less insects that belong to the suborder Anoplura. Adults measure 2–5 mm in length; females are typically larger than males. The body is laterally compressed, giving a flattened appearance that helps the parasite move through the host’s hair. Color ranges from light brown to reddish‑brown, often darkening after a blood meal.
The head is short and broad, bearing a pair of stout, forward‑pointing antennae composed of four segments. Compound eyes are reduced to small ocelli, and the mouthparts form a piercing‑sucking stylet adapted for feeding on blood. The thorax bears three pairs of legs, each ending in strong claws that grip hair shafts securely. Legs are longer in males, facilitating movement between hosts.
The abdomen consists of eight visible segments. In females, the posterior end expands to accommodate the developing ovisac, which can contain up to 200 eggs. Males have a narrower abdomen and a distinct genital capsule near the rear. Both sexes lack wings and possess a tough, chitinous exoskeleton that resists desiccation.
Nymphal stages resemble adults but are smaller (1–2 mm) and lighter in color. Each nymph undergoes three molts before reaching maturity, acquiring the full set of claws and the characteristic body flattening with each successive stage.
Key visual identifiers:
- Size: 2–5 mm (adult), 1–2 mm (nymph)
- Color: brown to reddish‑brown, darkening after feeding
- Body shape: laterally flattened, wing‑less
- Antennae: four‑segmented, robust
- Legs: six, with clawed tarsi for hair attachment
- Abdomen: enlarged in females for egg development
These characteristics enable reliable identification of pig lice in field and laboratory settings.