Brown Hairstreak vs Cattle Biting Louse
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Brown Hairstreak | Cattle Biting Louse |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Thecla betulae | Bovicola bovis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Phthiraptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Trichodectidae |
| Size | 36-40 mm wingspan | 1.5-2 mm |
| Habitat | Hedgerows | Farmland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, temperate Asia | Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern (declining in parts of range) | Least Concern |
Brown Hairstreak
A secretive butterfly with rich brown wings and an orange flash on the female's forewings. Adults spend most of their time in tree canopies, rarely descending to ground level.
Did You Know?
Eggs are laid singly on blackthorn and are easier to find in winter than the elusive adults are in summer.
Cattle Biting Louse
A chewing louse that infests cattle worldwide, causing irritation and economic losses in livestock. Infestations worsen in winter when cattle have thick coats.
Did You Know?
Winter infestations of this louse can cause cattle to rub and scratch so intensely that they damage fences and lose significant weight.