Cattle Biting Louse vs Cattle Sucking Louse

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cattle Biting Louse Cattle Sucking Louse
Scientific Name Bovicola bovis Linognathus vituli
Order Phthiraptera Phthiraptera
Family Trichodectidae Linognathidae
Size 1.5-2 mm 1.5-2.5 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Omnivores Blood Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania Worldwide
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

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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.

Cattle Sucking Louse

A blood-sucking louse found on calves and young cattle worldwide. It has a distinctive long narrow head adapted for piercing skin.

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Did You Know?

Heavy infestations on calves can cause severe anemia and even death in young animals.