What does a dog louse look like? - briefly
Dog lice are tiny, wing‑less insects about 2–4 mm long, with a flattened, oval body that is gray‑brown in color and covered in fine hairs. Their six legs end in sharp claws that enable them to cling tightly to a dog’s fur and skin.
What does a dog louse look like? - in detail
The canine louse is a small, wing‑less insect belonging to the order Phthiraptera. Adult individuals measure between 1.5 and 3 mm in length, depending on species. The body is laterally compressed, giving a flattened appearance that facilitates movement through the host’s fur.
The head is proportionally large, equipped with a pair of short, robust antennae and compound eyes situated laterally. Mouthparts are adapted for chewing; the mandibles are strong, allowing the parasite to feed on skin debris and blood. The thorax bears three pairs of legs, each ending in sharp claws that grip hair shafts securely. Legs are relatively short, with the hind pair slightly longer to aid in locomotion.
The abdomen consists of nine visible segments, each covered by a thin, translucent exoskeleton. Coloration ranges from pale gray to reddish‑brown, often matching the host’s coat to provide camouflage. Some species exhibit fine scales or setae that give a slightly glossy sheen.
Two common species infest dogs:
- Trichodectes canis – characterized by a darker, brownish body and a slightly larger size (up to 3 mm). The head is broader, and the antennae are more pronounced.
- Linognathus setosus – typically lighter in color, with a more elongated abdomen and finer setae covering the thorax.
Both species lack wings throughout their life cycle, and nymphal stages resemble miniature adults, differing only in size and the development of reproductive organs.
Reproduction occurs on the host; females lay eggs (nits) firmly attached to hair shafts near the skin. Eggs are oval, measuring about 0.5 mm, and have a smooth, transparent shell. Nymphs hatch after 3–5 days, progressing through three instars before reaching maturity in approximately two weeks.
In summary, a dog louse presents as a minute, flattened, wingless insect with a broad head, chewing mouthparts, three pairs of clawed legs, and a segmented, translucent abdomen. Coloration varies from gray to brown, and species differ in size, body shape, and surface texture.«»