Ischnocera

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Ischnocera (subclass Pterygota, order Phthiraptera) Suborder of chewing lice characterized by the pulvinus and the vertical articulation of the mandibles. The suborder contains two families that are parasitic on placental mammals, and three that are parasitic on birds. Their food includes feathers, skin, sebaceous exudates, and blood; and some species are known to eat other lice, although these are probably not an important part of their diet. There are 120 genera, with about 1800 species.

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