Ischnocera

Ischnocera is a large parvorder of lice from the infraorder Phthiraptera that are parasitic on birds. It is a chewing louse, which feeds on the feathers and skin debris of birds. Many of the avian Ischnocera have evolved an elongated body shape. This allows them to conceal themselves between the feather shafts and avoid being dislodged during preening or flight. Ischnocera contains the large family Philopteridae, plus a few other minor families.

Classification

Ischnocera previously also included the mammalian parasitic lice of Trichodectera. However, several phylogenetic studies had found the grouping to be paraphyletic, specifically in regards to the two major families Philopteridae and Trichodectidae. In order to resolve this, in 2020 de Moya et al. proposed retaining the majority of the species (including Philopteridae) within Ischnocera, and then moving Trichodectidae to its own grouping called Trichodectera.<ref name="deMoya2021">Template:Cite journal</ref>

Below is a cladogram showing the position of Ischnocera within Phthiraptera:<ref name="deMoya2021"/> Template:Clade

List of families

Ischnocera currently consists of the following families:<ref name="PsocodeaSpeciesFile"/>

• Philopteroidea (superfamily)
  • Goniodidae
  • Heptapsogasteridae
  • Lipeuridae
  • Philopteridae
  • Trichophilopteridae