Galliform-parasites
Guides
Chelopistes
turkey lice
Chelopistes is a genus of chewing lice in the family Philopteridae, parasitic primarily on galliform birds, notably domestic turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo). The best-studied species, Chelopistes meleagridis, is the largest louse affecting turkeys and has been successfully reared in vitro, revealing strict dietary requirements for development. These lice require host skin (epidermis) in addition to feathers to reach adulthood; feather-only diets result in severe developmental failure. The genus exhibits high reproductive output relative to other Ischnocera, with females producing approximately 2-3 eggs daily.