Cattle Biting Louse vs Elongate Leaf Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cattle Biting Louse Elongate Leaf Beetle
Scientific Name Bovicola bovis Oreina elongata
Order Phthiraptera Coleoptera
Family Trichodectidae Chrysomelidae
Size 1.5-2 mm 6-8 mm
Habitat Farmland Meadows
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania Alps, Central European mountains
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.

Elongate Leaf Beetle

A slender metallic beetle that feeds on alpine dock and sorrel. It is found in moist mountain meadows throughout the Alps.

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Did You Know?

Different populations show distinct color morphs ranging from blue to bronze.