Order Phthiraptera Family Haematomyzidae Higher classification Haematomyzidae | Suborder Rhynchophthirina Scientific name Haematomyzus Rank Genus | |
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Similar Louse, Amblycera, Ischnocera, Insect, Ricinidae | ||
The genus Haematomyzus includes three species of lice that differ so markedly from all other lice that they have been placed in a suborder of their own. These unusual lice are ectoparasites of elephants and warthogs. Their mouthparts are elongated to form a drill-like structure that allows them to penetrate the thick skin of their host.
Contents
Taxonomy
The three species, Haematomyzus elephantis (the elephant louse), Haematomyzus hopkinsi and Haematomyzus porci (warthog lice) belong to a single family, the Haematomyzidae.
Host records
H. elephantis is known from both the African and Asian Elephant.
References
Haematomyzus Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA