Lice

Lice, a family of wingless Rhynchota which live on the skin of mammals. The six legs each end in a strong hooked joint, by means of which they attach themselves to the fur. The proboscis is armed, and by this the insect cuts into its host and sucks its blood. The metamorphosis is incomplete, and the development is generally very rapid, the commonest of the three lice which attack man (Pediculus capitis) being mature in about three weeks. The Bird-lice (Mallophaga) are often associated with the true lice or Pediculidcc as an order, the Anoplura. The Bee-louse

(Braula cceca, Nitsch) is quite distinct; it is a small wingless fly belonging to the Homaloptera (q.v.). Woodlice are Crustacea, and Plant-lice are Aphides, both very different.