To spice things up this week, I have been digitizing the miscellaneous chewing and undetermined lice in the collection. Therefore, I thought it fitting to showcase one of the more interesting specimens encountered. It is from Thailand and was determined in the late 1970s. Lice are so small, it is easy to miss them with the naked eye, but this specimen’s host makes quite a grand entrance.
One does not have to be a louse expert to determine the mystery louse species for the week, as the host species is a big clue. I don’t even want to reveal the suborder of this specimen, for fear of making it too easy.
This particular specimen was found on an Asian elephant, Elephas maximus, an endangered species on the ICUN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature). Asian elephants are so majestic-here are a few photos of them for you to enjoy this Friday.
To me, these pachyderms always look like they are smiling, which is what one should be doing while reading Friday Night Lice.
While you ponder the name of this louse, here is one last photo of Elephas maximus to enjoy this Friday night.
As always, please comment if you know the identity of this mystery louse. Have a wonderful winter weekend!
Patrick Corrigan says
Haematomyzus elephantis?
James says
What is the Elephant Lice?
els22 says
Haematomyzus elephantis is correct!
els22 says
You’re correct! It was a Haematomyzus elephantis specimen.