Biting lice body pattern As can be seen in the bird louse on the
right the antennae are small. Usually there are only 3 - 5
segments, and the whole thing may be hidden in a groove in the
head. The legs are usually adapted to cling firmly to the host,
and end in two claws. Louse body shape can vary according to the
location on the body the louse specialises in. Those inhabiting
the main feathers are usually long, whereas those feeding near
the neck tend to be rounder. Size varies, but is usually less
than 5 mm in length. Biting lice feeding and ecology Biting lice
feed mainly on particles of feather, fur and skin. Some do feed
on blood, but usually from existing wounds. There are some
species that do bite through the skin of the host though.
Mallophaga (biting lice) life cycle Females can lay 50 100 eggs
which are cemented to the feathers or hair of the host. Nymphs
and adults look alike. From egg to mature adult takes 3 - 4
weeks.