Chicken Body Louse vs Cattle Biting Louse
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Chicken Body Louse | Cattle Biting Louse |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Menacanthus stramineus | Bovicola bovis |
| Order | Phthiraptera | Phthiraptera |
| Family | Menoponidae | Trichodectidae |
| Size | 3-3.5 mm | 1.5-2 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania | Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Chicken Body Louse
The most damaging louse of domestic poultry, feeding on feathers, skin, and blood. Heavy infestations cause feather loss, reduced egg production, and anemia.
Did You Know?
This louse is unusual among bird lice because it actively feeds on blood by gnawing through pin feathers, not just on feather material.
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.