Linognathus ovillus

Also known as:

Long-nosed louse Sheep face louse

Scientific Classification

Class	Insecta
Order	Phthiraptera
Suborder	Anoplura
Family	Linognathidae

Identification

Linognathus ovillus is a sucking louse, also known as the 'sheep face louse' It is a dark blue louse, with a long, thin body.

The eggs are dark blue, and are not easily seen on the hair by the naked eye.

Life Cycle

The eggs generally hatch into nymps within 2 weeks, and must undergo three further transformations before becoming mature adults. The complete cycle from an egg to an adult usually takes around 30 days.