Chicken Body Louse vs Heart and Dart
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Chicken Body Louse | Heart and Dart |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Menacanthus stramineus | Agrotis exclamationis |
| Order | Phthiraptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Menoponidae | Noctuidae |
| Size | 3-3.5 mm | 32-40 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Root Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania | Europe, temperate Asia |
| 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.
Heart and Dart
An extremely common brown moth named for the heart and dart-shaped markings on its forewing. It is often the most abundant species in light traps across Europe.
Did You Know?
A single light trap can capture over a thousand individuals in one night during peak emergence.