Amblycera
Guides
Colpocephalum
Colpocephalum is a genus of chewing lice (order Psocodea: suborder Amblycera) comprising approximately 135 species of avian ectoparasites. The genus was established by Christian Ludwig Nitzsch in 1818, with Colpocephalum zebra Burmeister, 1838 designated as type species by ICZN ruling in 1955. Species parasitize birds across at least 13 orders, representing an unusually broad host distribution among lice. Molecular phylogenetic studies have revealed that Colpocephalum as traditionally circumscribed is not monophyletic, with several distinct lineages corresponding to previously described subgenera or genera.
Menoponidae
chicken body lice, chicken body louse family
Menoponidae is a family of chewing lice (suborder Amblycera) comprising ectoparasites of birds. They are frequently called the chicken body louse family due to the economic importance of species like Menacanthus stramineus on poultry, though the family parasitizes diverse avian hosts including migratory birds and passerines. Members possess short antennae concealed in grooves behind the eyes, and many retain partial dependence on blood-feeding through specialized mouthparts such as the hypopharynx. This hematophagous capability allows broader host distribution and reduced microhabitat specialization compared to other chewing lice.
Ricinidae
Ricinidae is a family of chewing lice within the suborder Amblycera. All species are relatively large-bodied avian ectoparasites that feed on host blood, an atypical trait among chewing lice. The family includes three recognized genera: Ricinus (65 species, parasitizing Passeriformes), Trochiliphagus (13 species, on hummingbirds), and Trochiloecetes (30 species, also on hummingbirds but restricted to head and neck). Ricinids typically exhibit low prevalence and low intensity infestations with strongly female-biased sex ratios.