Lipeurus spp

Lipeurus are a genus of chewing lice that are a common ectoparasite of chickens. There are four species within this genus which affect chickens---L. caponis, L. maculosus, L. tropicalis, and L. variabilis. L. caponis is the most common, and is referred to as the "Wing Louse" or "Depluming Louse". As adults, Lipeurus spp are 2.2 mm long with thin, grayish elongated bodies. They are typically found on the bird's skin and undersides of the large wing and tail feathers. The female lays eggs in clusters near the base of the feather, which hatch in 4 to 7 days.