Haematopinus suis
 |
This article has been peer reviewed but is awaiting expert review. If you would like to help with this, please see more information about expert reviewing. |
| Haematopinus eurysternus | |
|---|---|
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Phthiraptera |
| Family | Haematopinidae |
| Species | Haematopinus eurysternus |
Also known as: Hog louse
Haematopinus suis is a large sucking louse found worldwide in pigs, and is believed to be the vector of African Swine Fever.
Identification
H. suis is a large greyish brown louse, currently the largest louse found on the domestic species at 5mm. They have long mouthparts used for the sucking the blood of the host, in this case, the pig. All of its legs are of similar sizes.
Life Cycle
Eggs are deposited on the host by the female and require 13-15 days before hatching into nymphs. The nymphs then take around 2 weeks to become reproductive adults.
The entire life cycle occurs on the host.
Literature Search
Use these links to find recent scientific publications via CAB Abstracts (log in required unless accessing from a subscribing organisation).
Haematopinus suis publications