Haematopinus eurysternus

Also known as:

Short-nosed louse

Scientific Classification

Class	Insecta
Order	Phthiraptera
Suborder	Anoplura
Family	Haematopinidae

Identification

Haematopinus eurysternus is one of the largest louse currently seen on domestic mammals, at around 4mm in length. The abdomen is dark blue and the head and thorax is a greyish yellow. The eggs have a very thick outer shell, and are white in colour.

Life Cycle

The females lay one egg per day for around 2 weeks, which is their approximate lifespan. The eggs are sticky and glue themselves to the hairs of the host, in this case, cattle. The eggs hatch in 1-2 weeks, transforming into nymphs. Nymphs then transform into mature adults about 14 days later. The female will then begin to lay eggs, and infect the host.