Pronunciation: [ˈamblɪsəɹə] (IPA) 
The word "Amblycera" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription of [æmblɪsərə]. The first syllable "amb" is pronounced [æm], rhyming with "ham" or "jam". The second syllable "lyc" is pronounced [lɪk], rhyming with "quick" or "stick". The final syllable "era" is pronounced [ərə], with a schwa [ə] sound and an r sound at the end. This word refers to a group of chewing lice that infest birds and mammals.
Amblycera is a taxonomic order of chewing lice that belong to the insect class Phthiraptera. These lice are ectoparasites, meaning they live on the external surface of their host's body, predominantly birds. The name "Amblycera" is derived from the Greek words "amblys," meaning blunt or dull, and "keras," meaning horn or antenna, referencing the relatively short and somewhat blunt antennae these lice possess.
Lice in the order Amblycera are characterized by their robust body shape and distinct head structure. They lack the ability to move freely between hosts, unlike some other lice species. Amblycera lice have strong, claw-like mouthparts that allow them to grasp onto their bird hosts, where they feed on skin, feathers, and blood. They are typically found on the body feathers, especially around the head region, as well as in the plumage of birds.
Members of Amblycera undergo a complex life cycle, involving multiple life stages such as eggs, nymphs, and adults. After hatching from eggs, the nymph lice go through several molts before reaching the final adult stage.
Although Amblycera is primarily associated with birds, they can occasionally be found on mammals, including domestic animals and humans, causing mild irritation and discomfort. These lice are of particular interest to researchers as they provide insights into host-parasite interactions and ectoparasite evolution.
The word "Amblycera" has a Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek words "amblys" meaning "blunt" or "dull", and "keras" meaning "horn". These terms refer to the shape and structure of certain crustaceans, particularly lice, which have blunted or dull horns. The name "Amblycera" is used to classify a subgroup of chewing lice that possess these characteristics.
