Cuclotogaster heterographus (Head Louse)

Cuclotogaster heterographus

SUMMARY

Type: Chewing Lice

Zoonotic: No

Definitive Hosts: Birds

Inf Site: Skin (Epidermis)
Dx Tech: Direct Observation
Dx Stage: Adult with 6 Legs, Nymph with 6 Legs, Eggs("nits") on Hairs
Size: Macroscopic
Tran Mode: Direct Contact

 Life Cycle

Lice undergo an incomplete metamorphosis which takes place entirely on the host within a period of 3-5 weeks. The eggs, commonly called "nits", are glued to the hairs or feathers of the host one at a time. Young lice leave the eggs by sucking air into their bodies and expelling it from the anus until they create a cushion of compressed air sufficient to pop open the lid of the egg. The young lice develop through several nymphal stages, during which they look like small, pale adults. Nymphs and adults are transmitted from one animal to another primarily by host contact. 

Taxonomy

Phylum Arthropoda
Class Insecta
Order Mallophaga
Suborder Ischnocera
Family Philopteridae

Diagnosis

 Restlessness and anemia are two of the most outstanding clinical signs that should suggest pediculosis. Careful examination of the skin and feathers of infested birds will reveal the lice and their eggs. Adults are 2 mm in length and greyish in color with chewing mouthparts.

Clinical Information

Chewing lice feed by nibbling on the feathers and epidermal debris, although some of them ingest blood by piercing the pulp of feathers or gnawing through the epidermis. Chewing lice annoy their hosts primarily by irritating the skin surface. A few lice are generally well tolerated, whereas large numbers may cause severe irritation, resulting in self-trauma. In general, lice are much more of a problem in young or debilitated animals than in older, well-nourished animals. A heavy louse infestation may itself be merely a symptom of some other underlying condition, such as malnutrition or chronic disease; debilitated animals often do not groom themselves and leave the lice undisturbed. Cuclotogaster heterographus is known as the "chicken head louse" because of its preference to settle on head and neck feathers of its host.

PHOTO GALLERY AND INFORMATION:

This illustration of female and male lice, Cuclotogaster heterog

This illustration of female and male lice, Cuclotogaster heterographus shows the ventral aspect of this species (Nitzsh).
Cuclotogaster heterographus, or `chicken head louse', is a member of the group of chewing lice, which are small, flat, and wingless insects. This louse is a pest common to poultry, and feed on feathers, and scales of the skin.
CDC PHIL Image 5501

Figure 1 Cuclotogaster heterographus , ♀; Figure 2 Cuclotogaster heterographus , ♂