Solenopotes capillatus

The little blue cattle louse is the common name for the Solenopotes capillatus in the United States but is known as the tubercle-bearing louse in Australia.[1] This louse is the smallest of the sucking lice that occur on cattle and is a relatively immobile species. They are found all around the world in distribution but are restricted mainly to areas with domestic livestock. The little blue cattle louse is most often found on the head of its host, primarily the face and jaw region, but sporadically is found on other body parts. It is relatively immobile so typically will not relocate on its host's body. The louse is spread by direct contact and is considered an ectoparasite.[2]

Solenopotes capillatus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Phthiraptera
Suborder:	Anoplura
Family:	Linognathidae
Genus:	Solenopotes
Species:	S. capillatus
Binomial name
Solenopotes capillatus Enderlein, 1904

Symptomatically this louse can cause irritation, restlessness, and possibly a decrease in milk production. The louse is also known to cause alopecia from scratching that can lead to infection. Heavy infestation can cause anemia from blood loss.[3]

The louse's life cycle consists of three instars and for completion of the cycle, from egg to egg, is between 27 and 29 days.[4] The adult louse has a short broad head, broad sensorial on segments 4 and 5 of its antennae. It has a hexagonal shaped sternal plate on the thorax and prominent abdominal spiracles. Its hind and middle legs are the same length while its front tarsal claws smaller.[4]

References

1. Lloyd, J. E., et al. (2001). Persistent efficacy of doramectin topical solution against induced infestations of Bovicola bovis and Solenopotes capillatus. Veterinary Parasitology 102(3), 235-41.
2. "Ectoparasites - Solenopotes." Ectoparasites - Solenopotes. Merial, n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2013.
3. Juneau, K. J. and P. E. Kaufman. Solenopotes capillatus (Enderlein). Publication Number EENY-422. Entomology and Nematology. University of Florida IFAS. 2007.
4. Grubbs, M. A., et al. (2007). Life cycle details of Solenopotes capillatus (Anoplura: Linognathidae). Journal of Economic Entomology 100(2), 619-21.