Which group is described as having a bristly body, toothed mandibles, small compound eyes, and a head wider than the thorax?

Which group is described as having a bristly body, toothed mandibles, small compound eyes, and a head wider than the thorax?

• A. Mallophaga (Chewing Lice)
• B. Anoplura (Sucking Lice)
• C. Gryllotalpidae (Mole Crickets)
• D. Corixidae (Water Boatmen)

Answer: (A)

Mouthparts and head shape are diagnostic for identifying lice groups. Chewing lice have strong, toothed mandibles for gnawing on skin and debris, and their heads are usually broader than the thorax, giving a broad, bristly appearance from many hairs. They often have small eyes or even lack eyes, which fits the combination described. These traits point to Mallophaga (chewing lice). Sucking lice use piercing-sucking mouthparts and typically show a more elongated head with a narrower profile and often reduced eyes, a different arrangement than described. The other options aren’t lice at all: mole crickets are Orthoptera with digging forelegs and a different body plan, while water boatmen are aquatic Hemiptera with their own distinct adaptations.

Mouthparts and head shape are diagnostic for identifying lice groups. Chewing lice have strong, toothed mandibles for gnawing on skin and debris, and their heads are usually broader than the thorax, giving a broad, bristly appearance from many hairs. They often have small eyes or even lack eyes, which fits the combination described. These traits point to Mallophaga (chewing lice). Sucking lice use piercing-sucking mouthparts and typically show a more elongated head with a narrower profile and often reduced eyes, a different arrangement than described. The other options aren’t lice at all: mole crickets are Orthoptera with digging forelegs and a different body plan, while water boatmen are aquatic Hemiptera with their own distinct adaptations.