Haematomyzus
| Haematomyzus | |
|---|---|
| Haematomyzus elephantis | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Psocodea |
| Suborder: | Troctomorpha |
| Infraorder: | Phthiraptera |
| Parvorder: | Rhynchophthirina Ferris, 1931 |
| Family: | Haematomyzidae Enderlein, 1904 |
| Genus: | Haematomyzus Piaget, 1869 |
| Type species | |
| Haematomyzus elephantis Piaget, 1869
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| Species | |
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| Synonyms | |
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Haematomyzus is a monotypic genus of lice with 3 species. The genus is placed in its own family Haematomyzidae, itself monotypic within the parvorder Rhynchophthirina (previously ranked as a superfamily). 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.