They infest both domestic and wild mammals and birds, and cause considerable irritation to their hosts.

They use these mouthparts to feed on feathers, hair, and epidermal skin scales.

Some species also use these mouthparts to feed on blood, which they obtain by piercing the pulp of young feathers or by gnawing through the skin.

The eggs are glued to the hairs or feathers of the host with a secretion from the female accessory glands.

The nymphs that hatch from the eggs resemble the adults except for their smaller size and lighter color.