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The Siphunculata are described as wingless (Apterous), hemimetabolous
(having a simple metamorphosis i.e. no pupa) ectoparsites (living on the
outside of their hosts) of mammals, there are about 300 described
species of which 24 are found in Britain. They have reduced or absent
compound eyes, no ocelli and no cerci. The mouthparts are adapted for
sucking and retractable into a special cavity in the head when not being
used. They are dorsoventrally flattened with strengthened legs which
have large single claws and only a single tarsal segment as part of
their special adaptation to clinging on. |