ORDER MALLOPHAGA 15 



a. Compare the head, thorax and abdomen, noting the rela- 

 tively small thorax as compared with that of the housefly, for 

 example. 



b. The appendages differ how? Note the claws of each 

 species and explain the difference on the basis of the relative 

 activity of the insects. The sucking lice generally and many 

 species of the biting lice have heavy clasping structures. 



c. Determine the position of antenna and eyes, if present. 



d. Study the mouthparts of each species. Note the rather 

 sharp mandibles of the biting louse. Where are the mouthparts 

 located? Observe the proboscis of a sucking louse in which that 

 organ is protruded. What is the position of that organ when 

 the insect is not actively feeding? 



e. Search for traces of blood in the stomachs of both species. 



EXERCISE 6a 



ORDER MALLOPHAGA (BIRD LICE) 



Anatomical Study. 



Using a slide mount of the common hen louse (Menopon 

 pallidum) determine the following parts, making a large drawing 

 of the specimen: 



a. Head, thorax, abdomen. 



b. Antenna, are they clavate (club-shaped) or capitate 

 (ending in a distinct knob)? Determine number of segments. 



c. Mandibles. 



d. Eyes. 



e. Temples, posterior lateral portions of the head. 



f . Ocular emarginations, a bending in of the lateral margins of 

 the head just in front of the eyes. 



g. Sternal markings, blackish markings, bars or spots, on 

 the ventral aspect of the thorax. (May not be visible.) 



h. Tarsal claws, whether paired or single, whether strongly 

 adapted for clasping hairs and feathers or not. 



