Description of the male of Geomydoecus scleritus (Mallophaga: Trichodectidae) from the southeastern pocket gopher

Abstract

This represents the first record for the male of Geomydoecus scleritus McGregor, the chewing louse found on pocket gophers in the southeastern United States. The male is described and illustrated from two adult specimens collected on Geomys pinetis. Geomydoecus scleritus was found to reproduce throughout the entire year in central Florida. Males were found in March, May, and December and all three instars and adult females were found every month of the year.