Pecaroecidae

Definition

A monotypic family of sucking lice (order Psocodea) containing the single genus Pecaroecus and its sole species, Pecaroecus javalii, the giant sucking louse of peccaries. Established by von Kéler in 1963, this family represents a highly specialized ectoparasite lineage with an obligate association with Tayassuidae (peccaries), notable for its large body size relative to other anopluran lice.

Etymology

From Pecari (peccary, the host genus) + Greek oikos (house, dwelling), with family suffix -idae; refers to the louse's exclusive parasitic residence on peccaries.

Example

Pecaroecus javalii, the only member of Pecaroecidae, was first collected in 1932 from a juvenile javelina (collared peccary) in western Texas and remains one of the largest known species of sucking louse.

Related Terms

• Pecaroecus
• Anoplura
• Psocodea
• sucking louse
• Ectoparasite
• host specificity
• Tayassuidae
• Phthiraptera

Usage Notes

Pecaroecidae is used strictly in the taxonomic sense for this family of peccary lice; do not confuse with the genus Pecaroecus (its single included genus). The family's monotypic status makes it a classic example of extreme host specificity in parasitic insects. When discussing louse systematics, note that Psocodea now encompasses both former Psocoptera (barklice) and Phthiraptera (parasitic lice), with Pecaroecidae falling within the parasitic clade formerly called Anoplura (sucking lice).