Permanent-parasite
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.
Haematopinus suis
Hog Louse, Pig Louse
Haematopinus suis, the hog louse, is one of the largest sucking lice (suborder Anoplura), measuring 5–6 mm in length and visible without magnification. It is an obligate ectoparasite of domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) and wild boars, spending its entire life cycle on the host. The species feeds exclusively on blood, taking multiple meals daily through piercing-sucking mouthparts. Infestations cause severe irritation, hair loss, reduced growth rates, and anemia, with significant economic impacts on pig husbandry worldwide.
Pterygosomatidae
scale mites
Pterygosomatidae is a family of prostigmatic mites in the order Trombidiformes, commonly known as scale mites. These mites are obligate ectoparasites of lizards, primarily infesting the skin and scales of their reptilian hosts. The family includes multiple genera, notably Pterygosoma, Geckobia, Geckobiella, Pimeliaphilus, and Neopterygosoma. Species within this family exhibit high host specificity, with particular mite lineages associated with specific lizard families including Agamidae, Gekkonidae, Liolaemidae, and Gerrhosauridae.
Trichodectes canis
canine chewing louse, dog chewing louse
Trichodectes canis is a chewing louse (suborder Mallophaga) that parasitizes domestic dogs and wild canids worldwide. It is a permanent ectoparasite, completing its entire life cycle on the host. The species is a known intermediate host for the dog tapeworm Dipylidium caninum, which can be transmitted to canids (and rarely humans) through ingestion of infected lice. Infestations are generally uncommon in well-cared-for dogs in developed countries but can occur in neglected or immunocompromised animals. A 2023 study reported T. canis from domestic cats in Tehran, Iran, representing a new host record.