Anoplura
Anoplura
Anoplura (/ænəˈplʊrə/; from the Greek 'ἀν' meaning "without" and 'οπλον' meaning "weapon") is an order of insects, commonly known as lice. This order is composed of over 500 species, all of which are obligate parasites that live externally on warm-blooded hosts, including every species of bird and mammal, except for monotremes, pangolins, and bats.
Etymology
The term "Anoplura" is derived from the Greek words 'ἀν' (an), meaning "without", and 'οπλον' (oplon), meaning "weapon". This refers to the lack of any visible means of defense or aggression in these creatures.
Characteristics
Anoplura are small, wingless insects. They have short, stout antennae and three-segmented tarsi. Their mouthparts are adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood. These insects are known for their ability to spread diseases, such as typhus and relapsing fever.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Anoplura involves three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. The female louse lays eggs, known as nits, which are attached to the hair shafts. After hatching, the nymph lice undergo three molts before reaching the adult stage.
Classification
Anoplura is divided into several families, including Pediculidae, which contains the human louse, and Pthiridae, which contains the crab louse.
Related Terms
- Ectoparasite: An organism that lives on the surface of a host organism.
- Pediculosis: An infestation with lice.
- Pediculus humanus capitis: The scientific name for the human head louse.
- Pediculus humanus corporis: The scientific name for the human body louse.
- Pthirus pubis: The scientific name for the crab louse.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Anoplura
- Wikipedia's article - Anoplura
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