rhynchophthirinan

rhynchophthirinan, any member of the suborder Rhynchophthirina of the louse order Phthiraptera, consisting of the genus Haematomyzus with two species. Although its origins and relationships are uncertain, the suborder is considered intermediate between the chewing lice and the sucking lice.

The elephant louse (H. elephantis) is found on African and Indian elephants, and H. hopkinsi on the African warthog. They have mouthparts that can pierce thick skin.