Haematomyzus


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.

Taxonomy

The three species, Haematomyzus elephantis, Haematomyzus hopkinsi and Haematomyzus porci belong to a single family, the Haematomyzidae.

Host records

H. elephantis is known from both the African and Asian Elephant.