Haematomyzus
| Haematomyzus | |
|---|---|
| Haematomyzus elephantis | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| 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 | |
| Species | |
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| Synonyms | |
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The genus Haematomyzus includes three species of lice that differ so markedly from all other lice that 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.