Cattle Biting Louse vs Large Turkey Louse
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cattle Biting Louse | Large Turkey Louse |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bovicola bovis | Chelopistes meleagridis |
| Order | Phthiraptera | Phthiraptera |
| Family | Trichodectidae | Philopteridae |
| Size | 1.5-2 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania | North America, Europe |
| 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.
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.
Large Turkey Louse
The largest louse found on domestic turkeys, feeding on feather material. It prefers the breast and thigh feathers of its host.
Did You Know?
Benjamin Franklin studied this louse while advocating for the turkey as America's national bird.