The genus Trichophilopterus is also found on mammals (lemurs), but probably belongs to the "avian Ischnocera" and represents a host switch from birds to mammals.

It is a chewing louse, which feeds on the feathers and skin debris of birds.

Many of the avian Ischnocera have evolved an elongated body shape.

This allows them to conceal themselves between the feather shafts and avoid being dislodged during preening or flight.

In order to resolve this, in 2020 de Moya et al. proposed retaining the majority of the species (including Philopteridae) within Ischnocera, and then moving Trichodectidae to its own grouping called Trichodectera.