Micromorphology of the springbok louse Damalinia (Tricholipeurus) antidorcus found at the Rietvlei Nature Reserve near Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

This report provides additional information on the morphology of Damalinia (Tricholipeurus) antidorcus, previously described only by light microscopy. Live lice were collected and prepared for viewing by SEM. Micromorphological features investigated included aspects of the forehead, mandibles and spiracles. The average length of the males was 2.0 mm and females 2.04 mm. The anterior hyalin region of the head was notably emarginated. Awell-developed medial groove on the ventral surface of the head between the mandibles was noted. The surface of the epipharynx was smooth. The labrum with its typical scale-like appearance gradually changed into the pulvinal area of the clypeus. Both genders had notched left mandibles. The mandibles were highly serrated on the oral surfaces. Situated ventrally below and caudal to the mandibles were a pair of labial palpi. The immediate area between, and surrounding the labial palpi was littered with numerous spiked setae and two well developed larger setae raised at their bases. The tips of the palpi bore three larger and longer sensory setae. Palpi of this nature are described here for the first time in D. antidorcus.