mallophaga

/ˌmæləˈfɒɡə/

Definitions

1. noun

an order of insects, including lice, that live on the bodies of birds and mammals, especially in or under their feathers, hair, or on their hides.

“The mallophaga family was found to be the cause of the unusual itching on the patient’s scalp.”

Synonyms

  • insect order
  • parasitic insects

Antonyms

  • free-living insects
  • harmless insects