Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Dog chewing louse (Heterodoxus spiniger). Female lice attach their eggs (nits) to the hairs of the host dog. The

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Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Dog chewing louse (Heterodoxus spiniger). Female lice attach their eggs (nits) to the hairs of the host dog. The eggs hatch and larval lice, called nymphs, bite and feed on blood. Lice can also feed on dead skin and hair. This feeding activity affects the dog by causing hair loss, reduced skin integrity and itching. Further, the dog's appetite and its own efficiency in feeding are affected. Although scratches and bruises from rubbing may lead to other illness, this louse is not a carrier and is seldom linked to disease transmission. Magnification: x30 when shortest axis printed at 25 millimetres.

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Size: 2646px × 3302px
Photo credit: © DENNIS KUNKEL MICROSCOPY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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