Difference between revisions of "Louse Structure"
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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 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 are dorsoventrally flattened. | ||
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Mammalian lice species have a single pair of claws on the ends of stout legs, whereas avian lice species have a double claw on each leg. | Mammalian lice species have a single pair of claws on the ends of stout legs, whereas avian lice species have a double claw on each leg. | ||
− | There are two main groups of veterinary importance, the | + | There are two main groups of veterinary importance, the Mallophaga (chewing lice) and Anoplura (sucking lice) |
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+ | [[Category:To_Do_-_Parasites]] | ||
[[Category:Lice|A]] | [[Category:Lice|A]] |
Revision as of 13:39, 29 July 2010
Lice are obligate ectoparasites of every avian and most mammalian species. They are only a few millimeters long and like fleas, are wingless but unlike fleas are dorsoventrally flattened.
Lice are host specific, permanent parasites which cause pediculosis. The louse saliva and faeces contain allergenic substances which cause irritation, rubbing, licking and skin damage leading to decreased host productivity.
Mammalian lice species have a single pair of claws on the ends of stout legs, whereas avian lice species have a double claw on each leg.
There are two main groups of veterinary importance, the Mallophaga (chewing lice) and Anoplura (sucking lice)