Overview

Two species ( Gyropus ovalis and Gliricola porcelli ) of this South American family, the Gyropidae, have been recorded in Australia on captive guinea-pigs, their natural host.

Description

Head relatively large; mouth-parts mandibulate. Antennae concealed in grooves, generally capitate, usually 4-segmented, 3rd segment wineglass-shaped; mandibles horizontal; maxillary palps 2-4-segmented; meso- and metathorax usually separate. Tarsi single-clawed; in Australia only on captive guinea pigs.