A couple weeks ago I shared a photo of these lice with you. I’m pleased to inform you that they are Hoplopleura uromydis (Kuhn and Ludwig 1967) (Anoplura: Hoplopleuridae) .
Though I found little information on this Anoplura species, its host is a giant, specifically the giant white-tailed rat, Uromydis caudimaculatus (Krefft 1867) (Rodentia: Muridae).
According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, these rats are pretty common to the Queensland area and get their name from a large white band on their tails. This species can be considered a mosaic-tailed rat. Using their sharp teeth, they are able to chew through coconuts as well as cans and other generated waste (Breed & Ford 2007).
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