Morphological anomalies in the body structure of Hoplopleura spp. (Anoplura: Hoplopleuridae).

Morphological anomalies in sucking lice (Phthiraptera: Anoplura) have been discussed sporadically, mainly when the changes were considerable, such as in the structure of the reproductive organs or pleural plates, and have concerned the most commonly-studied species. An analysis of 376 specimens from three species of the genus Hoplopleura (H. acanthopus, H. affinis, H. edentula) identified 13 individuals with changes in the number and size of the setae on the sternal plates of the abdomen and irregularities in the structure of the plate itself (3.5% of the collection). The above anomalies do not invalidate the taxonomic decisions.