Numbers
Six families in two groups: Amblycera and Ischnocera.
Size
0.5 to 6 mm, rarely as long as 10 mm.
Identification
Flattened body; shape oval or elongate. Pale tan, some with yellow markings or with dark bands. Head larger than thorax. Short antennae, five segments or less. No evidence of wings.
Habitat
They are only found on their hosts; if detached they don't survive for long.
Food
Parasites of birds and mammals. Most specialize on only one or a few species of hosts.
Life Cycle
Eggs are attached to the hair or feathers of the host by a drop of waterproof glue. Larvae hatch from the eggs and join the adults in feeding. They molt as they grow but change little in aspect:
paurometablolousRemarks
Some are important pests of domestic animals, especially poultry.
[Note: This guide page includes material copied from another with contributions from Sean McCann and Beatriz Moisset.]
See Also
Barklice (formerly Psocoptera) can be distinguished by their antennae: short with 5 or fewer segments in Mallophaga; long with 10 or more segments in barklice.
