Recording of Chewing louse Philopterus sp. (Mallophaga : Ischnocera) from Crow in Iraq

Several specimens of lice were collected from the skin and feathers of the crow (Corvus sp.), and it is concluded that it belongs to Philopterus sp. (Mallophaga: Ischnocera). The body is small 2 - 3 mm in length and 0. 8 mm in width, and is elongated, flattened tough and well chitinized. Head is triangular in shape expanded behind the eyes . Antennae are capitate lie anterior to maxillary pulp which is 4 - 5 segmented. Mouth with clear buccal capsule and provided with 3 pairs of spines at the sides of its head . Legs are short, with tibia leading to tarsus ending with a stout single claw. The ovipositor is clearly seen, in addition to crescent - shaped spermatheca. Such lice with these characters were not reported before from Iraqi birds, and it is concluded that it is very close to Philopterus sp. but species can't be determined in the absence of male specimens.