Changes

==Phthiraptera introduction==

==Phthiraptera introduction==

[[Image:Arthropod classifiation.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Arthropod Classification - copyright nabrown RVC]]

[[Image:Arthropod classifiation.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Arthropod Classification - copyright nabrown RVC]]

Lice are obligate ectoparasites of every avian and most mammalian species. They are only a few millimeters long and like [[Fleas - WikiBlood|fleas]], are wingless but unlike [[Fleas - WikiBlood|fleas]] are dorsoventrally flattened.

Lice are obligate ectoparasites of every avian and most mammalian species. They are only a few millimeters long and like [[Fleas|fleas]], are wingless but unlike [[Fleas|fleas]] are dorsoventrally flattened.

Lice are host specific, permanent parasites which cause [[Parasitic skin infections - Pathology#Lice|pediculosis]]. The louse saliva and faeces contain allergenic substances which cause irritation, rubbing, licking and skin damage leading to decreased host productivity.

Lice are host specific, permanent parasites which cause [[Parasitic skin infections - Pathology#Lice|pediculosis]]. The louse saliva and faeces contain allergenic substances which cause irritation, rubbing, licking and skin damage leading to decreased host productivity.