Anoplura

Guides

• Haematopinidae

  ungulate lice

  Haematopinidae is a family of sucking lice (suborder Anoplura) containing the single genus Haematopinus. All species are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites of large mammals, particularly ungulates. They are permanent parasites that complete their entire life cycle on the host and cannot survive away from it. Species in this family are significant veterinary pests causing direct damage through blood loss and skin irritation, with documented economic impacts on livestock production.

  ectoparasitehematophagousveterinary-pestlivestock-parasiteAnoplurasucking-lousepermanent-parasiteungulate-parasite

• Linognathidae

  sucking lice

  Linognathidae is a family of sucking lice in the order Psocodea, containing at least 3 genera (Linognathus, Prolinognathus, Solenopotes) and approximately 70 described species. Members are obligate ectoparasites of mammals, primarily infesting ungulates including cattle, deer, impalas, and related hosts. The family is characterized by piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for blood-feeding and complete dependence on host animals for survival and reproduction.

  ectoparasiteblood-feedinglivestock-pestAnopluraungulate-parasite

• Pediculus humanus capitis

  Human Head Louse, Head Louse

  The human head louse is an obligate ectoparasite specialized for life on human scalp hair. Unlike its close relative the body louse, it has remained associated with hair rather than clothing throughout human evolution. Populations in many regions have developed widespread resistance to pyrethrin and permethrin insecticides, complicating control efforts. Transmission occurs primarily through direct head-to-head contact, with infestations clustering in settings where children interact closely.

  ectoparasitemedical-entomologyinsecticide-resistancepublic-health-pestschool-healthPhthirapteraAnopluraobligate-parasitehematophagycosmopolitan-distribution

• Pthiridae

  Pubic Lice

  Pthiridae is a family of sucking lice containing the single genus Pthirus with two extant species: Pthirus pubis (human pubic louse) and Pthirus gorillae (gorilla louse). These obligate ectoparasites are highly host-specific, with each species restricted to a single primate host. The two species diverged approximately 3-4 million years ago, possibly associated with a host switch from gorillas to humans. Members of this family possess dorsoventrally flattened bodies and broad, crab-like claws adapted for grasping coarse hair.

  liceectoparasiteprimate-parasitePhthirapteraAnoplura