Definition of Mallophaga in English:
Mallophaga
plural nounməˈlɒfəɡəməˈläfəɡə
Entomology An order of insects that comprises the biting lice.
See also Phthiraptera
Example sentencesExamples
- If that were also the case in Barn Swallows, individuals with a high parasite load would have to increase their foraging efficiency through an increase in flapping flight to balance the extra metabolic cost due to Mallophaga.
- Others, traditionally grouped in the Mallophaga, are referred to as chewing lice, because their mouthparts are modified for chewing.
- However, none of the birds in our sample suffered from feather breakage when filmed, and effects of Mallophaga on flight behavior through breakage can therefore be excluded as an explanation for our results.
- We found feather mites and feather lice (Mallophaga) on all species of birds and at every site.
- Label data for all slide-mounted Mallophaga and Anoplura is available in a computer database.
Derivatives
adjective & noun
Entomology While these mouthparts are not primarily designed to pierce skin some mallophagans do feed on blood.
Example sentencesExamples
- However, many ectoparasitic arthropods are more vagile than mallophagan lice, and may have better opportunities to come in contact with novel hosts.
- Mites and mallophagan lice should be preserved and stored in 70% isopropyl alcohol.
- Cats may be infested with Felicola subrostratus, a mallophagan louse.
- The head of the mallophagan is wider than the prothorax.
Origin
Modern Latin (plural), from Greek mallos 'lock of wool' + -phagos 'eating'.