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 milimetres long and like [[Fleas - WikiBlood|fleas]], are wingless but unlike [[Fleas - WikiBlood|fleas]] are dorsoventally flattened.

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 host specific, permanent parasites which cause pediculosis. The louse saliva and faeces contains allergenic substances which causes irritation, rubbing, licking and skin damage to the host which will decrease the host's productivity.

Lice are host specific, permanent parasites which cause pediculosis. The louse saliva and faeces contain allergenic substances which causes irritation, rubbing, licking and skin damage leading to decreased the 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.

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.