Trichodectes canis
| Trichodectes canis | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Phthiraptera |
| Family: | Trichodectidae |
| Genus: | Trichodectes |
| Species: | T. canis |
| Binomial name | |
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Trichodectes canis |
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Trichodectes canis, also known as canine chewing louse, is a chewing louse found on domesticated dogs and wild canids throughout the world. T. canis is a well-known vector for the dog tapeworm, Dipylidium caninum. T. canis usually does not present any major problems to the host, however, can be very irritating in heavy infestations. In North America and most developed countries, T. canis infestation of domesticated dogs is very uncommon as long as they are properly cared for and healthy. Poorly taken care of dogs are more prone to getting a lice infestation.
Trichodectes canis is a louse of the suborder Mallophaga, or chewing lice. T. canis is a small, flat-bodied louse. Males are typically smaller than females, with body lengths ranging from 1.60 to 1.68 mm in males and 1.75 to 1.82 mm in females. Females also differ from males in the fact that they possess a special organ that is located from underneath the end of the abdomen. This organ, when seen from above, resembles two bowed appendages on either side of the genital region. This organ serves two purposes – in helping to glue the eggs to hosts’ fur, and to grasp fur in order to remain on the host. As a member of the genus Trichodectes, T. canis usually have antennae with three segments and a single claw at each tarsus. The mouthparts of the T. canis include a pair of mandibles lacking the maxillary palps. In addition, T. canis possess a pair of degenerate eyes and hair-like appendages from their antennae that function for perception. Other physical features include being ectothermic, possessing bilateral symmetry, and polymorphic.
Trichondectes canis, known for their ability to tolerate extremes in temperature, are found in many different regions worldwide. T. canis was originally found on domesticated dogs in the Czech Republic in the 1950s. However, this louse has been found on wild canines as well – on gray wolves in Canada (1934), and coyotes in Texas and Kansas (1959). In addition to the domestic dog, T. canis is known to inhabit C. lupus, C. aureus, C. latrans, Dusicyonculpaeus, Cerdocyonthous, Vulpesbengalensis and Viverracivetta as well. T. canis is understood to have been brought to Australia with the domesticated dog. T. canis is said to be a major ectoparasite of domesticated dogs in colder regions such as Scandinavia because the environment is too harsh to foster the growth of other ectoparasites such as ticks or fleas.
Trichondectes canis lives in temperate, terrestrial, and tropical habitats, both urban and suburban. T. canis lives all stages of life on the host. Therefore, T. canis is known as a permanent parasite. T. canis is known to live on domesticated dogs, but also several other hosts:
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