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Pig louse

Haematopinus suis

A species of Haematopinus, Also known as Swine louse

Haematopinus suis, the hog louse, is one of the largest members of the louse suborder Anoplura, which consists of sucking lice that commonly afflict a number of mammals. H. suis is found almost solely on the skin surface of swine, and take several blood meals a day from their hosts. The lice have large claws that enable them to grasp a hog's hair and move around its body. It is easily seen without magnification, being 5–6 millimetres (0.20–0.24 in) long. H. suis has a long, narrow head and long mouthparts adapted for sucking blood. It is the only louse found on swine. Louse infestation is relatively rare in the US, but a 2004 study found that about 14% of German swine farms had H. suis infestations. Due to the frequency of feeding, infected swine become severely irritated, often rubbing themselves to the point of injuring their skin and displacing body hair. Particularly afflicted hogs may become almost completely bald and, in young hogs, can arrest growth, a cause of concern for farmers.

Cause Disease in Humans
Pathogenic
Does Pig louse consume human blood?
Hematophagy
General Info About Pig louse
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Attributes of Pig louse
Adult Food Sources
Host's blood
Larva Food Source
Host's blood
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
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Life Cycle of Pig louse
Egg The egg stage is characterized by an oval shape and minuscule size, often glued to the host's hair or in hidden niches associated with the host. The coloration is typically pale and translucent.
Nymph Emerging from the egg, nymphs resemble smaller adults without fully developed reproductive organs. Their shape, size, and color may vary slightly, but they grow through molts, increasing in size and acquiring adult-like features.
Adult Mature adults exhibit complete development of wings and reproductive organs. The body is brownish, larger, and more robust, enabling full mobility and breeding. Adults are highly specialized for their parasitic lifestyle.
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Adult Size of Pig louse
5 - 6 mm
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Predators of Pig louse Larvae
Chickens, wild birds, predacious beetles
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Scientific Classification of Pig louse
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Adult Habitat of Pig louse
On and Within Other Organisms (Parasitic and Symbiotic Relationships)
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Habitat Preferences of Pig louse Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of pig louse are found firmly attached to the base of the host animal's hair, near the skin. Nymphs reside on the same host, frequently closer to the skin where they can easily access blood. Adult pig louse tend to inhabit regions of the host with denser hair for better protection, commonly near the ears, neck, and back. To search for these stages, one would examine the host's body, parting the hair to inspect at the skin level for eggs and nymphs, while adults can be spotted by looking through the thicker hair areas where they may be more visible, bearing in mind these insects are typically host-specific.
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Harmful Effects of Pig louse
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Pathogenic
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Hematophagy
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Cause Disease in Humans

Pig louse primarily infests swine but can bite humans, causing skin irritation or allergic reactions. They are not major vectors of human diseases but can transfer swine pathogens. Infestation risk is mainly occupational, with farmers at higher risk. Without treatment, persistent scratching can lead to secondary infections.

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Does Pig louse consume human blood?

Pig louse are obligate parasites, exclusively feeding on the blood of swine. Using specialized mouthparts, they pierce the host's skin, leading to potential disease transmission. This behavior distresses the animals, may cause anemia, and hampers livestock productivity. They do not feed on humans, cats, or dogs.

More Effects of Pig louse

Common Questions People Also Ask
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